Artwork Details

Title
Buddha Vajradhara
Dimensions
6 1/4 × 3 7/8 × 2 5/8 in.
Medium
Gilt copper alloy with inlays of semiprecious stones
Origin
Nepal
Classification(s)
sculpture
Date
14th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2005.16.43
HAR Number
65466
Published references
* Vajracarya, Gautamavajra. Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2016. Cat 21: pp. 79-80, 82, fn. 199-200.

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Divine

Concepts

Buddhist practitioners in some traditions believe that cutting through ordinary perceptions that keep us in the endless cycle of death and rebirth, known as samsara, can create a powerful and enhanced divine identity that leads to enlightenment.

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Tantrism

Concepts

A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today. 

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Meditation

Concepts

A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.

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Buddhas

Figure Type

An awakened being who understands the true nature of reality and is free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. While there are many buddhas, Siddhartha Gautama is the historical Buddha, whose teachings became the foundation of Buddhism.

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Nepalese Regions

Region

The Himalayan kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley were significant centers of Buddhist culture. Nepalese kings, Buddhist institutions, and ordinary people patronized the vibrant art guilds. The artistic traditions of the regions are well-known in Tibetan areas and beyond, and Newar artists have always been in high demand throughout Tibetan regions and Inner Asia.

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