Bronze gilt with turquoises ans semi precious stones

Tibet , 19th century

Dimensions: Height 26 cm Width 20 cm Depth 13 cm

Weight: 3654 grams

This glorious, richly patterned sculpture depicts Vaishravana, guardian (lokapala) of the north and bestower of wealth. This ancient Indian god assumed many iconographical forms that incorporated elements from various local traditions, since he was worshiped in India, China, and Central Asia before becoming popular in Tibet.

Dressed in the garb of a mythic warrior-king, Vaishravana wears heavy, highly ornamental armor with lion heads acting as lappets; the sleeves of his upper garment flutter as though moved by the wind, revealing armor-covered lower arms. He holds a victory banner (dhvaja) and, tucked under his left arm, a mongoose spitting gems. Vaishravana's long dark tresses wrap around his upper ears and then fall onto his shoulders and upper torso. Kubera, the god of wealth and the regent of North is also known as Vaishravana and Jambhala. According to Hindu mythology Kubera was the son of a sage called Vishravas, hence his he is also called Vaishravana or Vishravana. He is also the god of wealth and guardian of North in Brahmanical Pantheon. Kubera has both Yi-dam and Dharmapala forms of great antiquity in India and Nepal. As Yi-dam he is called Jambhala, probably from the jambhara (citron or lemon) this form always carries in his right hand. In Tibet Kubera or Vaishravana has been one of the primary protectors of the Gelugpa sect since the fourteenth century. He has two main aspects, that of a warrior protector and that of deity of wealth. As a guardian of the North he is called Vaishravana by Buddhists, and his abode is Alaka in the Himalayas, abounding in wealth and magnificence, where he is attended by Yakshas and horse-headed men called kinnaras. It is believed that performing prosperity rituals to Kubera or Jambhala will increase wealth and prosperity. There is a special ceremony in Tibet for imploring Kubera for riches, which is called Yanyung. Kubera or Vaishravana or Jambhala is popular in Tibet, Mongolia, China, Nepal and Japan where he is known as Bishamon.