A gilt-copper alloy figure of Hevajra Nepal, 15th century | 十五世紀 尼泊爾鎏金銅喜金剛像

This complex and intricately modelled figure represents The Adamantine One, Hevajra, one of the principal meditational deities of the Sakya order of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, in union with his consort Nairatmya.

Hevajra is described in an 8th century eastern India treatise that is beautifully interpreted in this rare sculpture "There at centre am I, O Fair One, together with you... . Fearful am I to fear itself, with my necklace made from a string of heads ... . Black am I and terrible ... but my inner nature is tranquil, and holding Nairatmya in loving embrace, I am possessed of tranquil bliss", see Rob Linrothe, Ruthless Compassion, London, 1999, pp. 268-9 for further translated verses of the Hevajra Tantra and a lucid discussion on the iconography of the deity.