A BRONZE FIGURE OF VAJRAVARAHI

12/13th century
Tibet

Standing on one leg, against a waist high lotus post, Vajravarahi dances in chapastana, on a prostrate figure - representing the demon of ignorance - upon a circular lotus base. The goddess holds a skull cup in her left hand, in front of her chest, and a chopper in her right hand which she brandishes to the side of her head. Naked, except for her beaded body ornaments and jewellery, she is adorned with a skull crown, long skull necklace and a scarf, which billows on either side - enhancing the dancing movement of the piece. A sow’s head protrudes from the back of her own - towards the chopper: this is her main iconographic characteristic, and is all that distinguishes her from Nairatma, the consort of Hevajra.

Height: 10.5 cm / 4.25”

Vajravarahi (diamond sow) is a central character in Vajrayana Buddhism; she is the consort of Samvara or Chakrasamvara, as well as being worshipped in her own right - especially in Tibet. This figure illustrates the very close ties between the Pala artistic tradition and those of the Tibetan school.