The finely cast deity is shown seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base wearing loose robes incised at the borders with floral decoration, arm bands and jeweled chains. The principal head is set between two smaller heads facing the left and right sides, each modelled with a third eye, all set below a crown inset with hardstones, enclosing the hair upswept into a double chignon and secured by a leaf-form finial. The eight arms are held in mudras. Traces of paint. Height 18 cm.
Damages, loss of attributes.
From the Collection of MD Aage Nørgaard and his wife Marie (-92). Purschased in Hamburg in the late 1940's.
Compare to a stylistically similar gilt-bronze figure of Usnisavijaya in the Collection of the Rubin Museum of Art, Himalayan Art Resource no. 65445, of slimmer physique and dated to 1400-1499; and another related figure dated to the 18th century, in the Collection of Royal Ontario Museum, Himalayan Art Resource no. 77551.
Usnisavijaya is a female deity in the Buddhist pantheon who represents the Intelligence of the most splendid Perfect One, and is also known as the Victorious goddess of the Ushnisha. She is a Buddha of longevity, and is often accompanied by the deities Amitayus and White Tara.