Gilt bronze sculpture "Vajrapāṇi", Qing Dynasty

Partially gilded bronze sculpture depicting Vajrapi, the Buddhist patron deity known as the "lightning bearer." The figure stands on a base of lotus petals, in the "alidha" warrior dance posture, with her legs bent and spread in an energetic attitude. Her fierce face displays an angry expression with bulging eyes, an open mouth displaying fangs, and flaming eyebrows, conveying her protective nature. Her hair is swept back in the shape of flames, and she wears a crown with five flaming points.

The body is dressed in a tight dhoti decorated with incised flame motifs and wavy lines, as well as belts, bracelets, multiple necklaces, and a breast band decorated with flowers and pearls, all finely chiselled. In her right hand, she holds a vajra, a symbol of spiritual power and destroyer of ignorance, while in her left, she holds a ritual bell. A raised floral medallion stands out on her chest, and energy ribbons envelop her torso, reinforcing her tantric iconography. The figure retains a floral mandala-shaped engraving on the lower base.

Size: 17 x 13 cm

Weight: 1300 g