A gilt-copper alloy figure of Vajradhara, Tibet, 14th century

English Private Collection, acquired in the 1970s.

The richly fire-gilded figure represents the primordial Buddha Vajradhara, the progenitor of the Vajrasana path to enlightenment espoused in Tibetan Buddhism, with hands crossed at the chest (prajnalinganabhinaya mudra) holding a five-pronged diamond scepter (panchasucika vajra) and prayer bell (vajra ghanta), seated in the adamantine meditation posture (vajraparyankasana) on a double lotus pedestal.

The sculptural style relates to bejeweled gilt-bronzes from the fourteenth century 'Tibetan Schools' identified by Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Vol. II, Hong Kong, 2001, pls 255B-256E, with very similar lotus pedestals, crowns and ear adornments, inset semi-precious stones, and the beaded robe decoration of the lower garment. The gilding of this finely cast example remains in virtually pristine condition with only minor rubbing of the gold at the extremities, with the slightest of wear on the nose, fingertips and toes, and the beading and tips of the lotus petals of the pedestal.