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Vajrasattva Tibet 15th c. Bronze, cast in the lost wax method, gilded, inlaid with precious stones height 22.5 cm |
The Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist sect Ka-Dam-Pa was founded by the Indian guru Atisa in the eleventh century. Also known as the reformed Red Hat Order, they worshipped Vajrasattva as the Adi Buddha, the embodiment of the five cosmic elements and the spiritual father of the five transcendental Buddhas. This important Buddha persists in bodhisattva form in order to help mankind along the path to enlightenment. His attributes are the vajra (diamond sceptre) and the ghanta (bell), respectively male and female symbols of compassion and wisdom. Vajrasattva is regarded as a spiritual hero associated with power and maleness, and is accordingly the subject of many hymns and verses. The deity sits in lalitasana, the posture of royal ease, on a double lotus throne. His right hand is raised before his chest and holds a vajra. His left hand rests lightly on his left thigh and holds a ghanta. The ushnisha, symbol of his ultimate wisdom, is incorporated in the high coiffure, which has a lotus bud finial, the sign of purity and spiritual elevation. Several locks of hair fall onto his shoulders. On his forehead is the urna, a sign of illumination, and he wears the garments and ornaments of a bodhisattva, including the five-leaf crown, two necklaces, bracelets and anklets. The dhoti is engraved with a pattern of catfoot prints and geometric designs, and the elongated earlobes, from which circular earrings hang, denote royalty. Vajrasattva was a popular deity and worshipped by the Ka-Dam-Pa sect as the most important Buddha. Revealing some influence from the neighbouring Nepalese Newari craftsmen, this fine temple bronze most likely originated in south-central Tibet [1]. Typical features are the design of the double lotus throne, the pronounced feet and exquisitely and individually rendered fingers, the style of the jewellery, the finely draped dhoti with engraved patterns, the casting in copper alloy, and the colour of the gilding [2]. In addition the bronze is inlaid with various precious stones. As exemplified by the god’s powerful posture, this cosmic Buddha is depicted in a superbly well balanced form, with beautiful proportions and finely delineated details. The bronze is well cast and complemented with fine gilding and inlaid precious stones. Vajrasattva’s youthful and majestic appearance is enhanced by the subtle tension of his body and the vitality of his features, including the fingers. They endow the sculpture with an inspired sense of life. Notable is the right foot with the slightly raised toe; it touches the left foot and projects slightly over the edge of the base. Provenance: Private collection France. [1] Spink & Son, The Art of Nepal and Tibet, London, 1979, p. 13, no 14. Vajrasattva, 16th century. [2] U. Von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, I, Hong Kong, 1981, no 113 B. |