A Gilt Copper Alloy Figure Depicting Vajradhara

Collection of Mrs. Maxeen Stone Flower, 1970s

This superb sculpture of Vajradhara is a testament to the powerful legacy of the Newari aesthetic imported into Tibet from the Kathmandu Valley in the late medieval period.  Depicted in the Nepalese style with the low hairline and broad forehead; the rectangular urna adorning the square face; the short neck and wide, powerful shoulders; the distinctive scarf draped high across the upper body; and prominent use of stone inlay suggest the inspiration and influence of Newari craftsmanship.

The embodiment of the mind of enlightenment, Vajradhara is the source of the Five Dhyani Buddhas which represent the five qualities of Buddhahood. Vajradhara is seated in vajraparyankasana; the hands crossed in front of the chest in vajrahumkaramudra holding a ghanta in the left hand and a vajra in the right, signifying the union of wisdom and compassion. The five-pronged crown, representing the Five Dhyani Buddhas, is surmounted by a conical helmet with vajra finial and adorned with semi-precious stones. The beautifully plaited hair cascades down the back and shoulders, offsetting the vibrant inlay of turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli in the elaborate earrings and jewelry.

Vajradhara wears the tantric adornments of the six bone ornaments representing the six paramitas or perfections. These textural bone ornaments appear in beaded rows in the present work, and also represent the Five Dhyani Buddhas: (1) the crown of the head, symbolizing dhyana or concentration and Buddha Akshobhya; (2) the earrings that symbolize kshanti or patience and the Buddha Amitabha; (3) the necklace that symbolizes dana or generosity and Buddha Ratnasambhava; (4) the armlets and anklets that symbolize shila or discipline and the Buddha Vairocana; (5) the girdle and apron that symbolizes virya or exertion and Buddha Amoghasiddhi; and (6) the crisscrossed torso ornament that symbolizes prajña or wisdom and Buddha Vajradhara.

Compare the present work to a 15th century Nepalese prototype also depicting Vajradhara in the collection of the Rubin Museum of Art, see HAR item no. 65466.