A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF CHAKRASAMVARA

TIBET, 15TH CENTURY

Footnotes

西藏 十五世紀 勝樂金剛銅像

Chakrasamvara embracing his consort Vajravarahi is one of the most iconic subjects in Vajrayana Buddhist art. Their union expresses the supreme bliss of enlightenment attained through the virtues of compassion and wisdom. Chakrasamvara (lit. 'wheel of bliss') is the transformative deity (yidam) at the heart of the Chakrasamvara Tantra, one of the most important Tantric wisdom traditions. In his primary hands, he holds a vajra and a ghanta, forming the vajrahumkara mudra, which symbolizes the dissolution of wisdom and compassion into one.

Tibetan Buddhist art of the 15th century underwent a stylistic transformation away from lightly clad, imposing figures in favor of refined vestiture and more delicate features. This transition is primarily attributed to exposure to Chinese artistic sensibilities through diplomatic gifts. Sent by early Ming emperors to leading Tibetan monasteries and ruling families, these included sculpture, painting, and textiles produced in the imperial workshops. The present sculpture incorporates some of these refined qualities. The lithe divine couple is bedecked in regalia that would have been covered by tiny, semi-precious stones. The many arms are modelled with a convincing sense of balance and proportion. An intricate girdle encircles Vajravarahi's waist, and each severed head that hangs on the garland between Chakrasamvara's legs is a distinctive portrait.

Other 15th-century bronzes displaying similar crowns, facial types, and slender proportions include a Guhyasamaja and Kalachakra (HAR 12052 & 30025). The overall treatment is also related to the style in which a master artist of the 15th century, Sonam Gyaltsen, is known to have worked, based on an inscribed piece sold at Bonhams, New York, 19 March 2018, lot 3033. Also see Bonhams, New York, 16 March 2015, lot 18; and Hong Kong, 2 October 2018, lot 44.

Provenance:
Private European Collection, acquired in the 1980s