Tibetan Gold Gilt Bronze Buddha
Durga
Shailaputri, daughter of the mountain
Tibet, circa: 18th century
H 8.25 in.(21cm), W 5 in.(12.5cm), D 3.25 in.(8.5cm)
Condition: very good

Private Collection

This mysterious Tibetan sculpture derives its subject from the Hindu tradition of the goddess Durga, a form of Shakti worshipped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspects as Mother of the Universe. She represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of female energies. Of her nine forms, the one shown here is Shailaputri, daughter of the mountain, who gave birth to the elephant-headed god Ganesh, the son of Shiva, whose mount is Nandi the bull. Shailaputri is depicted on her own garlanded and bejeweled bull, holding her attributes of an open lotus and a trident, or in this case, a victory banner which proclaims the triumph of Buddhism.

The stunning bronze is an extremely unusual representation, and is possibly a tantric yidam, intended for secret practice. The goddess has three eyes and two hands; she is seen in lalitasana posture, adorned in a floral and foliate crown ornamented with coral and turquoise, her black hair gathered into a high stupa with a turquoise roundel set into the front, and side locks that flow over her shoulders. A flower garland descends over her naked breasts; she wears a flayed human skin as a shawl. Most remarkable in this piece is the supernaturally penetrating gaze and the strange smile of Shailaputri; with all its powers intact it is finely cast and polished, with a sealed bottom, indicating that a ceremony was held at which the goddess’ presence was invoked and received into the statue.--RW