TIBET, 13TH CENTURY

Dakini, which translates to "sky-walker," is a celestial female who possess supernatural wisdom and powers. She is typically depicted with a ferocious appearance and is called upon in Buddhist ritual practice to assist with spiritual development. The exceptional sensitivity and jewel-like detail of the two present dakinis, possibly identified as Gauri and Chandali, belies their small size. As silver was rarely used in Tibetan sculpture, it is likely these works were part of a larger Hevajra lotus mandala and highly important commission.