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This magnificent bronze sculpture has many delicate details. The figures are slender with long limbs whose movement is echoed by rippling scarves and flaring jewel strands. Only a master artist could have achieved such a natural union of fine detail, iconographic accuracy, and aesthetic appeal. This elegant bronze demonstrates the continuing importance of Nepalese craftsmanship in Tibet.
Chakrasamvara in Union with Consort Vajravarahi
OriginCentral Tibet
Date14th century
Dimensions12 5/8 × 12 1/4 × 6 in.
MediumGilt copper alloy with pigments and turquoise inlay
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2005.16.16
Himalayan Art Resources Number65438
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/related/chakrasamvara-in-union-with-vajravarahi/
DescriptionChakrasamvara is the primary meditation deity (yidam) of the various Kagyu Schools of Tibetan Buddhism and is also prominently featured in a number of other traditions. He and his consort Vajravarahi trample on the deities Bhairava and Kalaratri (see detail), the wrathful manifestations of the divine couple Shiva and Parvati, subjugating them. Hindu deities are often incorporated into Buddhist iconography, sometimes in positive roles and other times as representative of obstacles to be overcome, an expression of both common cultural roots and the tension between the two competing traditions.This magnificent bronze sculpture has many delicate details. The figures are slender with long limbs whose movement is echoed by rippling scarves and flaring jewel strands. Only a master artist could have achieved such a natural union of fine detail, iconographic accuracy, and aesthetic appeal. This elegant bronze demonstrates the continuing importance of Nepalese craftsmanship in Tibet.
13th century
16th century
19th century
Mid-19th century
15th century
18th century
15th century
14th century
Sculpture: 1403-1424; Throne: ca. 13th century
19th century
18th century