TIBET, XVEME SIECLE

The buffalo-headed Vajrabhairava is one of the most important deities of the highest Tantra teachings within the Gelugspa order which was founded in the fourteenth century. The deity is an emanation of the god of wisdom, Manjushri. The present bronze shows both a strong physical and spiritual power due to the towering group of faces which is emphasized by the cold-gilding. This forms a fine contrast with the dark metal of which his body is made of.