ABS 253
Code: ABS 253
Country: Tibet (central)
Style:
Date: 1400 - 1500
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 17 x 36.5 x 8.5
Materials: Gilt copper
Vajravarahi
The young and graceful wisdom dakini Vajravarahi is dancing ecstatically on a corpse laying on a richly decorated lotus pedestal. She is naked and adorned only with bone ornaments of the charnel grounds. A silk ribbon flutters dynamically in the space around her. With her right hand, she wields the curved flaying knife, and with her left, she holds the skull cup in front of her chest. In the crook of her arm rests the tantric staff, symbolising her mystical consort. From the right side of her face springs the head of a wild sow, from which she takes her name: Vajravarahi "the diamond sow". An important meditation deity, she is worshipped throughout Tibetan Buddhism. Remarkable care has been invested in the execution of the macabre ornaments, including the crown of skulls and the long garland of severed heads. These symbols are loaded with far-reaching tantric signification.
The young and graceful wisdom dakini Vajravarahi is dancing ecstatically on a corpse laying on a richly decorated lotus pedestal. She is naked and adorned only with bone ornaments of the charnel grounds. A silk ribbon flutters dynamically in the space around her. With her right hand, she wields the curved flaying knife, and with her left, she holds the skull cup in front of her chest. In the crook of her arm rests the tantric staff, symbolising her mystical consort. From the right side of her face springs the head of a wild sow, from which she takes her name: Vajravarahi "the diamond sow". An important meditation deity, she is worshipped throughout Tibetan Buddhism. Remarkable care has been invested in the execution of the macabre ornaments, including the crown of skulls and the long garland of severed heads. These symbols are loaded with far-reaching tantric signification.