Mongolian Gilded Bronze Sitasamvara & Consort Vajravarahi in Yab-Yum

This beautiful, richly gilded and jewel-inset image of Sitasamvara of the White Samvara and his consort is noteworthy for the precise casting and modelling of the garlands of jewels suspended from their bodies and most particularly both their waists, as well as the precise rendering of the lotus petals around the dais on which the couple sit, as well as other details.

Samvara is one of the great tutelary or patron deities of Tibeto-Mongolian Buddhism. Usually, he is depicted in angry form with a fierce, menacing face, and multiple arms and heads together with his equally angry consort Vajravarahi. However, in the benevolent form here, he is shown with Vajravarahi joined in a tantric, blissful (yab-yum) pose. In this pose, Samvara is known as Paramasukha Chakrasamvara. The pose symbolises the merging of wisdom and compassion

Samvara sits on a double-lotus pedestal with his legs in the lotus position.

Vajravarahi sits on Samvara’s lap and is embraced by Samvara’s arms which are crossed over in the diamond hum-sound gesture, right over left, a pose she mimics behind his neck.

In his hands are two ambrosial jars (jars that hold the elixir of immortality) topped with flower-form finials. She holds in each of hers skull cups (kapalas).

Both deities wear ample jewellery and are beautifully crowned, with the crowns and jewels inset with small turquoise and coral cabochons – some of these stones are now lost. Both are also have intricate hairstyles, coloured with black and blue pigment.

The consecration is intact – the base is enclosed with a copper plate engraved with a double vajra motif.

The image shows influence from the Mongolian Zanabazar school, with its double vajra engraved to the base, ample, finely cast strings of jewellery, rich gilding, and well articulated lotus petals to the base.

The piece is in very fine condition without repairs or modifications.