Imposing statue of Vajrabhairava, also known as Yamāntaka - "conqueror of death" - cast in silver with partial gilding, Nepalese work, probably late 20th century.
Iconography
Vajrabhairava is one of the most important wrath deities(Dharmapāla) of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism and is considered the highest tantric manifestation of the bodhisattva Mañjushrī. The depiction follows the classical iconographic canon:
The main head shows the buffalo-headed face of Bhairava with wide open mouth, skull crown and flaming crown of hair - an expression of wrathful wisdom. Above it, a peaceful Mañjushrī face is enthroned as the crowning glory, symbolizing the enlightened nature behind the wrathful appearance. The figure has numerous arms with ritual attributes (kapāla, vajra, knife, snares) as well as several legs in a dancing stride position(ardhaparyanka) over prostrate figures - the overpowered worldly forces and obstacles.
The figure is depicted in yab-yum union with his shakti (vajravetālī) - the tantric embrace of male and female principles, symbolizing the inseparability of wisdom(prajñā) and compassion(upāya). This union embodies the state of complete enlightenment beyond all duality.
The lotus base is decorated with petal reliefs. Gold-plated elements highlight the main arms, the buffalo face and the attributes. Colored stone inlays in red, blue and purple are used on the arms.
The statue is filled - a sign that it has been consecrated by a lama and inscribed with mantras, tsa-tsas or other sacred symbols. It is therefore not just an art object, but a consecrated cult object in the true sense of the word. Filled statues should not be opened.
Meaning
Vajrabhairava stands for the overcoming of death and all obstacles on the path to enlightenment. His wrathful appearance is not a threat, but serves to protect Dharma practice and transform negative forces into wisdom. It is the main practice of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Height 18.5 cm · Weight 1,050 g · Silver, partially gold-plated · Colored stone inlays
