A bronze figure of Virupa
A bronze figure of Virupa

TIBET, 16TH CENTURY

Details
A bronze figure of Virupa
Tibet, 16th Century
Seated over an animal skin on a lotus base in maharajalilasana held with the aid of the yogic band, his right arm raised in tarjani mudra and the other holding a kapala, wearing a dhoti with incised cloudscrolls, armlets, bracelets and necklace with trefoil motif, large earrings and a foliate headdress, his face in a commanding expression with silver inlaid eyes and copper lips
6 in. (15.3 cm.) high
Provenance
Acquired in 1993, New York

Lot Essay

The Indian mystic Virupa is credited with performing many extraordinary deeds, including parting the waters of the Ganges and drinking enormous amounts of alcoholic beverages. Once he was refused further liquor at a tavern unless he could pay, upon which he prevented the sun from setting for two days with his mystical powers. The local king, highly concerned, settled his bill in order to free the sun. He is here depicted with his right arm raised in the characteristic gesture of tarjani mudra, ordering the sun to stop in its path.

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