Gilded bronze sculpture group “Vajrapani and Achala,” Tibet, 14th century

Exceptional devotional set in gilded bronze, of great iconographic refinement. Vajrapani, protector and manifestation of enlightened strength, is shown standing upright in a relaxed posture, adorned with elaborate ornaments and a skirt, carrying a lotus on his right side and a vajra, symbol of spiritual power, in his left arm. His serene face contrasts with the energy displayed in the secondary figure of Achala, an angry deity who kneels at his lower side, holding ritual weapons, reinforcing the duality of compassion and power. The base is worked with a double row of lotus petals and retains the engraving of a vajra at the bottom, characteristic of sculptures consecrated in early Tibetan workshops.

Height: 20 cm; Base size: 11.5 x 5.2 cm

Weight: 979 g

Provenance:

· Current Dutch private collection.