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Lot Essay
Vairocana, also known as the primordial Buddha, is a celestial deity central to many Buddhist sutras and the development of Vajrayana Tantric Buddhism. This stele was likely one of five panels, each depicting one of the five Dhyani Buddhas, who represent the five mental and physical aggregates that make up the whole of cosmic and individual existence.
This depiction of Vairocana shows the Pala emphasis on figures with broad shoulders and chests, articulated waists, and almost square faces, with long, thin features. Compare with two similar works sold in these rooms (16 September 2008, lot 374 and 13 September 2011, lot 265).
This depiction of Vairocana shows the Pala emphasis on figures with broad shoulders and chests, articulated waists, and almost square faces, with long, thin features. Compare with two similar works sold in these rooms (16 September 2008, lot 374 and 13 September 2011, lot 265).