A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF VAJRAPANI


MONGOLIA, 18TH CENTURYHimalayan Art Resources item no.61671 16 cm (6 1/4 in.) high
|蒙古 十八世纪 銅鎏金金剛手菩薩像 Vajrapani is the Bodhisattva of Power. He is one of the religion's earliest protectors. Depicted in Gandharan art he often accompanies Shakyamuni in conversion scenes, helping to enforce them (c.f. Zin, "Vajrapani in the Narrative Reliefs", Migration, Trade and Peoples, Part 2: Gandharan Art, London, 2005, pp.73-83). Whereas in Gandhara Vajrapani appears in human form, he undergoes a gradual transformation into the immense figure of a yaksha, an ancient Indian spirit deity (cf. Linrothe, Ruthless Compassion, London, 1999). Vajrapani is the preeminent guardian of Vajrayana Buddhism and its followers, and his overwhelming appearance expresses his absolute capacity to subdue any physical or spiritual threat.In his upraised right hand Vajrapani, wields the vajra, an ancient weapon, the former thunderbolt of the Vedic god Indra. With his left, Vajrapani displays the mudra of exorcism. He stands in 'warrior pose' wearing a tiger skin and snake (naga) in his hair, which represents his ability to quell poisonous phenomena.The present sculpture's robust torso, strong limbs, and lotus base are characteristic of 18th-century Mongolian sculpture following the development of the Zanabazar school. Zanabazar (1635–1723) was a Gelug hierarch with strong social and political influence during the 17th century. He was also an exceptional artist, who employed master Newar craftsmen to develop his school's style. A closely related Zanabazar school Vajrapani was sold at Christie's, New York, 21 March 2008, lot 614. Compare the similar multi-layered lotus base with beaded upper rim, and the modeling of his chest, belly, and limbs. ProvenanceJack Zimmerman, New York, 1960s/70s