Vajrasattva Nepal, 15th century Gilt copper 9.5 in. (24.13 cm.) Provenance: Private European collection, acquired by 1970, by repute. Published: Himalayan Art Resources #8212
Vajrasattva (Dorje Sempa to Tibetans) or the ‘Vajra Being’ has the power to purify all impure minds and actions and to transform aspirants into completely perfect beings. Vajrasattva represents the inner form of the primordial buddha Vajradhara, who embodies the combined essence of all buddhas. He holds a bell or drilbu (Skt. ghanta) symbolizing wisdom and a dorje (Skt. vajra) symbolizing skillful means and compassion. A slightly tilted torso and lifted proper-right shoulder give a sense of life to the present figure of the deity. It appears as if his chest is filled with a full meditative breath, while his slightly upturned lips convey his equanimity. He appears as a perfected being should. The soft countenance of the present figure of Vajrasattva is surmounted by a beautiful foliate tiara with a garuda at its center and flanked by pendant ribbons. From the backside, one can see his carefully styled hair–with two parts falling over his shoulders, some neatly resting on his upper back, and a tall chignon decorated with a vajra, visible in the round. His close-fitting dhoti features decorated hems and a billowing scarf frames his torso. The manner in which the scarf is fixed to the sculpture at its backside along with the garuda crown and bright copper beneath the lustrous gilding point to the Nepalese artistry behind this fine gilt-bronze image of Vajrasattva.
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