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Vajrabhairava
OriginMongolia
Dateca. 19th century
Dimensions12 1/4 × 10 × 6 3/8 in.
MediumClay with pigments
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2006.52.8
Himalayan Art Resources Number65714
DescriptionVajrabhairava is a prominent deity in the Sakya and Gelug Tibetan Buddhist traditions. He is considered to be the wrathful emanation of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri. He took on this form by reflecting back the terrifying nature of the Lord of Death, Yama, thus overwhelming and subduing Yama, who became a protector of the Buddhist faith. In Vajrabhairava, Yama’s form is topped by the head of Manjushri, signifying the deity’s true nature.18th - 19th century
18th century
19th century
19th century
18th century
19th century
early 20th century
15th century
19th century
19th century
17th - 18th century