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Photography by David De Armas Photography. The Rubin Museum of Art. 2013.
Vajrayogini
Photography by David De Armas Photography. The Rubin Museum of Art. 2013.
Photography by David De Armas Photography. The Rubin Museum of Art. 2013.

Vajrayogini

OriginTibet
Date17th century
Dimensions6 3/4 × 3 7/8 × 2 in.
MediumMetal alloy
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2002.47.2
Himalayan Art Resources Number65177
DescriptionVajrayogini is one of the central meditational deities (yidam) in the Sakya Buddhist tradition. She represents the state of full enlightenment achieved through a tantric practice of which she is the main focus. In this sculpture she gazes upward, holding a skull cup in one hand and a curved knife in another and balancing a staff in the nook of her arm. A garland of skulls drapes her body, posed in a dynamic stance. The sculpture portrays the energy and power of the deity and is complemented by the detailed rendering of her flaming body halo.