A large bronze figure of Vajradhara, Tibet, 15th century

Kapoor Galleries Inc., 12th April 2012, New York.

New York Private Collection.

This depiction showcases the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara, distinguished by his vajrahumkara mudra—his hands crossed at his heart, clutching a vajra/dorje and a ghanta/drilbu (bell)—a posture that marks his identity. Adorned with intricate jewelry, he is depicted as a buddha in the guise of a bodhisattva. The present portrayal of Vajradhara Buddha is seated in a meditative posture on a double-lotus base, wearing a long dhoti while bare-chested with the exception of his multi-banded necklace and arm bands.

Beneath his tall five-leaf crown, a large circular urna which was once inset with a semi-precious stone such as turquoise is set, and his hair is styled into a tall chignon with a demi-vajra at the top. The twists of his hair knot are visible from behind the statue and his hair gathers in the back in a small rounded tuft. The figure’s square facial structure, the straight profile of the nose, the absence of a garuda motif in the crown, and the unique design of Vajradhara’s necklace, point directly to Tibetan craftsmanship.