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Sino-Tibetan Silver Image of Vaishravana
China or Tibet
19th century
height: 12.8cm, width: 9.5cm, weight: 453g
This exceptionally finely executed figure of Vaishravana, heavily cast in silver, sits in lalitasana on the back of a fierce snow lion that crouches on a lotus base.
Vaishravana has his right hand raised in karana mudra and his left hand is open to hold the jewel-spitting mongoose that is not present. He wears a long
dhoti over his right knee, a strand of pearls, an elaborate beaded necklace, a sash over both shoulders, large circular earrings, and a tall crown. His hair rises
in a high chignon behind the crown.
He has a superbly rendered face with bulging eyes, raised eyebrows, and prominent lips.
The snow lion has a dynamically cast face with prominent teeth and a protruding tongue. His tail and feet are cast with scrolling curls. He also wears
ornaments. Each of the lion's large claws clutches a precious gem, symbolic of the pillars of Buddhism. According to legend, snow lions actually did exist
during the lifetime of the Shakyamuni Buddha but have since disappeared.
A fixed, arched mandorla rises behind Vaishravana. Twelve precious gems have been cast within the interlocking leafy border of the mandorla.
The image is sealed, with the unadorned base plate being held in place by four splices.
Vaishravana shares many characteristics of the Himalayan Hindu deity Kubera also known as Jambhala. He is considered a worldly Dharmapala or protector of
the Dharma, and is a member of the retinue of Ratnasambhava. He is also one of the four lokapalas - the protectors of the four quarters of the Universe - he
is the guardian of the North and is often depicted on temple murals outside the main door. Like Kubera, he is also considered to be the god of wealth.
Overall, this is an exceptionally fine piece with excellent, robust three-dimensional presence.
References: A silver image of Kubera of very similar form and size but with a silver-gilt mandorla was offered at Christie's New York in its 'Towards
Enlightenment: Indian and Southeast Asian Art' sale, September 17, 1998, lot no.: 123
Inventory no.: 860
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Sino-Tibetan Silver Image of Vaishravana
China or Tibet
19th century
height: 12.8cm, width: 9.5cm, weight: 453g
This exceptionally finely executed figure of Vaishravana, heavily cast in silver, sits in lalitasana on the back of a fierce snow lion that crouches on a lotus base.
Vaishravana has his right hand raised in karana mudra and his left hand is open to hold the jewel-spitting mongoose that is not present. He wears a long
dhoti over his right knee, a strand of pearls, an elaborate beaded necklace, a sash over both shoulders, large circular earrings, and a tall crown. His hair rises
in a high chignon behind the crown.
He has a superbly rendered face with bulging eyes, raised eyebrows, and prominent lips.
The snow lion has a dynamically cast face with prominent teeth and a protruding tongue. His tail and feet are cast with scrolling curls. He also wears
ornaments. Each of the lion's large claws clutches a precious gem, symbolic of the pillars of Buddhism. According to legend, snow lions actually did exist
during the lifetime of the Shakyamuni Buddha but have since disappeared.
A fixed, arched mandorla rises behind Vaishravana. Twelve precious gems have been cast within the interlocking leafy border of the mandorla.
The image is sealed, with the unadorned base plate being held in place by four splices.
Vaishravana shares many characteristics of the Himalayan Hindu deity Kubera also known as Jambhala. He is considered a worldly Dharmapala or protector of
the Dharma, and is a member of the retinue of Ratnasambhava. He is also one of the four lokapalas - the protectors of the four quarters of the Universe - he
is the guardian of the North and is often depicted on temple murals outside the main door. Like Kubera, he is also considered to be the god of wealth.
Overall, this is an exceptionally fine piece with excellent, robust three-dimensional presence.
References: A silver image of Kubera of very similar form and size but with a silver-gilt mandorla was offered at Christie's New York in its 'Towards
Enlightenment: Indian and Southeast Asian Art' sale, September 17, 1998, lot no.: 123
Inventory no.: 860
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
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