Sino-Tibet, 18th century

This finely cast gilt bronze figure of Mahakala, one of the primary protector deities in Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhism, is depicted striding in alidhasana atop the elephant-headed Vignataka, with his six arms outstretched and holding various implements. The figure is dressed in a tiger skin with a garland of skulls hanging from the waist. Compare with a gilt bronze figure of Mahakala in the Prague Nation Gallery, which displays nearly identical modeling of the hair, face, jewelry and accoutrements (HAR item no. 57657).