Dimensions: Height 9,7 cm Wide 5,2 cm Depth 2,5 cm
Weight: 104,2 grams
This rare bronze represents Vajrasattva, the Bodhisattva of purification and esoteric wisdom, standing gracefully on a double-lotus pedestal. His right hand is raised in vajra-holding gesture, while the left once held a ghanta (bell), symbolizing the union of method and wisdom.
The deity is richly adorned with necklaces, armlets, and a tall ornate crown, his body elegantly modeled with sensuous curves and fine detailing typical of the Pāla-influenced Tibetan bronzes of the 12th century. Stylized lotus sprays rise at his sides, framing the figure and emphasizing his divine presence. The facial features are serene yet powerful, reflecting the meditative clarity and purity Vajrasattva embodies.
The casting is finely executed, with a deep, rich patina that has developed over centuries of ritual use and veneration. Such bronzes were important in Vajrayana practice, used in purification rituals and visualizations aimed at removing karmic obstacles.
Cultural Significance: Early Tibetan bronzes in the Pāla style are highly sought after, as they document the transmission of Indian Buddhist art into the Himalayas. Vajrasattva, in particular, holds a central role in tantric Buddhism, making this work a spiritually charged and historically important piece.
Sold for €15,000