Fire-gilt bronze. Tibet, 20th cent.
Vajrapani, otherwise a Boddhisattva, is depicted here as the Dharmapala Acarya-Vajrapani, a “fearsome rain god” associated with the Hindu god of thunder, Indra. Many of his typical attributes are present; the noose he uses to catch the snake demons, the Vajra in his raised hand, a serpent-necklace, a skull-crown, third eye, dishevelled hair standing on end and large jewellery. A tiger skin is bound around his waist, showing a human-like tiger head on the back, most likely hinting to an alternative depiction that portrays Vajrapani wearing human skin on his back. A powerful flaming nimbus and wide lotus base with a Vishvavajra on the bottom. Complete bronze with several parts, in good condition.
HEIGHT 31 CM, WIDTH 24 CM
From an Austrian collection