Tibetan Gilt Bronze Figure of Yama Dharmaraja

$1,579.64

An exquisite and finely cast Tibetan statuette depicting Yama Dharmaraja in gilded bronze. The buffalo-headed deity is portrayed in a powerful stance, standing on top of a bull, which rests on a prostrate human figure in turn. This scene represents perseverance over ignorance and worldly desires. The monstrous figure, shown holding a staff in his right hand, has flamed-shaped hair, a crown of skulls, and snakes wrapped about his body. A beautifully rendered lotus base holds the composition (the base is sealed).

Date: 18th - 19th Century
Period: Qing Dynasty
Provenance: UK art market, acquired prior to 2000.
Condition: Extremely fine, complete and intact. Brown patination to the surface.

SOLD

In Tibetan culture and religion, Yama Dharmaraja is revered as a guardian of spiritual practice, specifically protecting those engaged in the practises of the Vajrabhairava Tantra. He is a furious emanation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who conquers death (Yama) to liberate the deserving from the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth (Samsara).

To discover more about Tibetan Buddhist statuettes, please visit our relevant blog post: Tibetan Bronze Figurines.

 

Weight 1500 g
Dimensions W 12 x H 20.5 cm
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Reference: For a similar item, Christie’s, Sale 2870, Lot 260.