Qing Dynasty Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze Buddha deity figure of Shadbhuja Mahakala, The Swift Acting Lord of Pristine Awareness with Six Hands, emanation of Avalokiteshvara and the special protector of the Shangpa Kagyu School. The Lord of Pristine Awareness has six hands. The first two hold a curved knife and skull cup. Adorned with a tiger skin, garland of heads, bones and snakes, and small bells on the hands and feet. Standing in a manner with the two legs together pressing down on Ganapati. With three eyes, bared fangs, eyebrows, beard and hair flowing upward with Akshobhya as a crown. He stands atop the form of the elephant headed deity Ganapati and a large lotus blossom seat with a skull cup of offerings placed directly in front. Along both sides, severed limbs neatly crossed symbolize a charnel ground scene. Extensive trace of gilt remain on surfaces and red pigment on hair. The base of sculpture shows an rectangular cut-out, a precisely fitting bronze comes with the sculpture. The underside with incised Quatre foil flori-form petals visvavajra mark surrounded the centralized DaiJi.

Measurements: Height 9" Width: 8"

PROVENANCE:
From The Collections of Mike and Annie Gaither, US Navy 1959-1982. With a sense of duty for his country Mike joined the US Navy in 1959 the idea was to see the world and obtain an education that would propel his future. The opportunity to become part of the submarine fleet was compelling and once involved it became his career path of choice. In 1964 he married his lifelong partner Annie Nix. And to this day they are still happily married. While in the Navy he specialized in communication and electronic repair and was able to obtain the rank of Radioman Chief Petty Officer during his time in the service he supervised crews of up to 25 in high speed communications, repair and records and Department Chief coordinating 8 repair divisions. Analyzing commands to discover systemic difficulties and training to resolve difficulties. Additional fields include intercultural and race relations, Drug and Alcohol training. With a long career in the Navy his desire to visit many foreign countries was fulfilled. His desire to be a leader in the open markets directed his path into the pastoral leadership where he was able to train and work with people in Italy Guam Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, Republic of Palau, with visits to such countries Germany, and Asian Countries. With the opportunity to be in such places also provided the knowledge and ability to obtain collectables from the area. Reaching a point where one feels that it is time to downsize and realign their assets this has opened the door for others to add these items into their private collection. The quality is exceptional, pristine and highly sought after.