Artwork Details

Title
Vajrapani
Dimensions
7 3/8 × 5 3/4 × 2 7/8 in.
Medium
Gilt copper alloy
Origin
Karnali Basin, Northwestern Nepal
Classification(s)
sculpture
Date
13th-14th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2005.34.3a-b
HAR Number
65571
Published references
*Alsop, Ian. "The Metal Sculpture of the Khasa Mallas of West Nepal/ West Tibet" (presentation at Symposium on Tibetan Art û ôTowards a Definition of Styleö, London, June 1994). AsianArt.com, http://www.asianart.com/articles/khasa/index.html [copy attached].* Christies, Sale 1552: "Indian and Southeast Asian Art," September 21, 2005, Lot 108 (page 217).* Vajracarya, Gautamavajra. Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Ritual. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2016. Cat 18: pp. 28, 73-74, 191, fn. 198-199.

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Power

Concepts

A kind of energy that can be used, individually and collectively, to effect change.

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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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Wrathful Deities

Figure Type

Protectors of Buddhist teachings who destroy obstacles that impede the path to enlightenment. The more frightening and gruesome their appearance, the greater their power.

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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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