TIBET, 15TH-16TH CENTURY

The present rotund figure depicts the Buddhist wealth deity, Jambhala. Often confused with the Hindu god Kubera or the Buddhist Guardian King, Vaishravana, Jambhala’s unusual appearance descends from ancient Indian yaksha figures. In visual iconography, the Hindu god Kubera, also a wealth deity, and Jambhala are essentially identical, while Vaishravana can be easily distinguished by the presence of armor, among other things. In many representations of Kubera, Vaishravana, and Jambhala, including in the present lot, the mongoose that the deity clutches spews jewels, exemplifying the wealth-granting powers of all three deities.