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Lot Essay
Vajrabhairava Yamantaka is one of the eight protectors of Tibetan Buddhism. He is the terrifying form of Manjushri, the God of Wisdom, whose head is visible in the flaming headdress. He takes the wrathful form in order to conquer Yama, the God of Death, thus symbolizing the victory of Wisdom or Knowledge over Death or Ignorance, which are considered one and the same in Tibetan Buddhism.
In his present aspect of Vajrabhairava, he is also associated with the Hindu god Bhairava, a form of Shiva who destroys the universe at the end of each Hindu eon. By incorporating both aspects, Vajrabhairava became one the most powerful divinities of Tibetan Buddhism. This present lot is a superb example of the bronze casting technique, as the figures and implements have been formed separately and in various moveable parts.
In his present aspect of Vajrabhairava, he is also associated with the Hindu god Bhairava, a form of Shiva who destroys the universe at the end of each Hindu eon. By incorporating both aspects, Vajrabhairava became one the most powerful divinities of Tibetan Buddhism. This present lot is a superb example of the bronze casting technique, as the figures and implements have been formed separately and in various moveable parts.