Dimensions: Height 3,1 cm Wide 1,8 cm Depth 1,1 cm
Weight: 16 grams

Cast in bronze with remains of dark patina and areas of green encrustation, the wealth deity Jambhala is shown standing in a dynamic pose upon a small lotus base. His rounded body conveys abundance and prosperity. In his right hand he holds a citron fruit, while his left hand cradles a mongoose, the animal that disgorges jewels, his most distinctive attribute. The deity wears a short dhoti incised with patterns, and his hair is arranged in a high topknot.

The compact and powerful modelling reflects the devotional function of such small bronzes, which were used in personal shrines as protective wealth deities. The worn surface and oxidation indicate long ritual use.

Black Jambhala, a wrathful form of Avalokiteśvara, is one of the Five Jambhalas venerated in Tibetan Buddhism as guardians of prosperity. His dark form and fierce expression embody the power needed to subdue poverty and obstacles, while his mongoose ensures the continuous outpouring of wealth and good fortune.

The mongoose (nakula) is a potent symbol in Buddhist art: originally associated with Kubera, the god of wealth, it became the emblem of conquered greed. The mongoose, an animal known for killing snakes, represents the subjugation of poisonous avarice, and in Jambhala’s hand it spits forth precious jewels, a sign that wealth is transformed into generosity and spiritual merit.