Tibetan Gilded Bronze Buddha Statue
Mahakala
Embracing Consort in Yab Yum
Qing Dynasty, circa: 18th century
H 4 in(10cm), W 3.5 in(9cm), D 1.75 in(4.5cm)
Condition: good, traces of polychrome

This three-headed, six-armed and four-legged Protector Buddha Mahakala is stepping in pratyalidhasana, and trampling on two ghosts above the lotus base. He is embracing his shakti, his nude consort holding a karttrka and kapala. The Dharmapala is wearing a tiger-skin dhoti, rosette earrings, wind-swept sash, and five-skull crown on each of his three heads, his hair is flame-like, and has been painted blood red in ritual worship. He has lost most attributes but a vajra is remaining in his middle right hand. The statue follows the standard description of six-armed Mahakala. Its superb artistry is full of vitality and movement despite its small size.

Private Collection