A Rare bronze figure of Raktalokesvara

KASHMIR OR LADAKH, CIRCA 10TH CENTURY

Details

A Rare bronze figure of Raktalokesvara
Kashmir or Ladakh, Circa 10th Century
Very finely cast seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base over a square plinth, wearing a dhoti incised with diaper patterns and a billowing sash across his shoulders, his face with inlaid silver eyes and urna and copper lips, surmounted by a tripartite crown centered by an image of Amitabha, framed by long braids of hair falling down to his shoulders
5¼ in. (13.3 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The name Raktalokesvara means "Red Lokesvara," derived from the text Sadhanamala, which describes this Bodhisattva as seated on a lotus throne, holding a red lotus in his left hand while opening the petals with his right. His attributes include matted hair crowned with the figure of Amitabha in the headdress; for a related example, see P. Pal, Bronzes of Kashmir, 1975, fig. 80.

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