Statue of the Bodhisattva Vajrasattva – Nepal

Antique statue of the bodhisattva Vajrasattva from Nepal, standing on a double lotus pedestal.

• H 26.5 cm x W 9 cm x D 6.5 cm
• Weight 1355 grams
• Shipped in a parcel insured for 100% of its value, with tracking.
• Former Claude de Marteau collection, sold with documented provenance.

Antique figure of the Bodhisattva Vajrasattva from Nepal, shown standing on a double lotus pedestal. The Bodhisattva adopts a samapāda-sthānaka stance with a slight sway, close to tribhaṅga, fairly characteristic of certain Nepalese depictions. The right hand is raised to chest level holding a vajra (Skt. dorje), while the lowered left presents a ritual bell (Skt. ghanta), symbolizing method and wisdom, the absolute and the ephemeral, respectively.

Vajrasattva holding the double vajra or dorje, a literal translation of lightning force.

The deity wears a dhoti with finely chased floral decoration, adorned with jewelry and an akshamala around the neck. At the center of the crown appears the seated figure of Akshobhya, Meditation Buddha, Tathāgata of the East, associated with “mirror-like wisdom,” i.e., direct perception of reality free from illusion.

The ghanta: It symbolizes the feminine principle of wisdom (prajñā), the primordial sound of the universe (Om), and the ephemeral nature of all things.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Vajrasattva mantra is considered one of the main means of karmic purification and holds an essential place in Vajrayāna preliminary practices.

Copper alloy, Nepal, c. 1900, in the style of 15th-century Nepalese productions.

Provenance: estate of collector and art dealer Claude de Marteau.
Sold with a provenance certificate.