A Sino Tibetan figure of Adibuddha Vajradhara, 15/16th century.
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Seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base, his hands crossed in front of his chest holding vajra (thunderbolt) and ghanta (handbell), wearing a dhoti, sash and beaded jewelry, his face with raised urna and his hair pulled into a high chignon secured by a foliate crown. Cold gilt. Height 12 cm.
Base plaque replaced. Wear.
Provenance
Property of a private Swedish Collector.
Exhibitions
Compare with British Museum inventory number 1979,0514.1.
More information
From the 11th century onward, the New (Sarma) Schools identify Vajradhara as the primordial Buddha (Adi Buddha): the inner form of Shakyamuni, and progenitor of the Vajrayana Buddhist system. He occupies the first rank in the Buddhist pantheon, and typically features as the first teacher of a tantric lineage. From him emanate the five Dhyani Buddhas, the purification deity Vajrasattva, and meditation deities including Chakrasamvara.
He represents the highest state of enlightenment, its abstract perfection, the sum of all Buddhist teachings. Sculptures of Vajradhara therefore serve as secondary representations, reminding practitioners of the deity's otherwise formless essence, which is beyond human comprehension.