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Lot Essay
Vajrasattva is one of the Primordial Buddhas and considered as a tantric divinity. He is a Buddha but at the same time a bodhisattva as he helps human beings on the Path to Enlightment. Many hymns and verses are dedicated to him. His attributes, the 'thunderbolt' and bell symbolize compassion and wisdom, but also the male and female aspects. Here he is depicted with rich ornamentations emphasizing his bodhisattva aspect.
Both vajra and ghanta are well moulded as one can expect from the imperial foundries in and around Beijing, where this divine image was casted. All these bronzes, including the one under review, are superbly casted and combine Tibetan and Chinese elements. The iconography and iconology were taken from Tibetan texts, while stylistic the ornamentation and shape of his face show Chinese influences. Also the double row of pearls running along the borders are typical for these Tibeto Chinese bronzes.
Both vajra and ghanta are well moulded as one can expect from the imperial foundries in and around Beijing, where this divine image was casted. All these bronzes, including the one under review, are superbly casted and combine Tibetan and Chinese elements. The iconography and iconology were taken from Tibetan texts, while stylistic the ornamentation and shape of his face show Chinese influences. Also the double row of pearls running along the borders are typical for these Tibeto Chinese bronzes.