Kubera
is sometimes shown riding on a snow-lion, or in Vaishravan
yab-yum position with his consort. Among statues of Kubera
seated in royal ease, this finely casted bronze statue is
unique. Incorporated with elements of both medieval Eastern
Indian, and Newari tradition of the Katmandu Buddhist art
tradition and design motifs, the superb gilding and intricate
details of this small bronze is a hallmark of Tibetan sculptures
of around 17th-19th century; possibly created in the Imperial
Workshop under the Qing patronage.
Fully
endorsed with conch shells (a symbol of prosperous voyage),
seated in lalitasana on a lotus throne, his pendent right
foot supported on a lotus bud, right hand holding a conch
shell, and his left holds a Nakula Mongoose (which believed
to be the receptacle of all riches). The commanding presence
of this statue of Kubera befits his role as the emanation
of Vaisravana Dharmarpala, the Lord of Wealth and Guardian
Deity of the North. He is the most important deity among the
eight generals of Vaisravana. The statue is sealed with a
copper base engraved with a double vajra, an indication of
a ritual blessing known as "rab gnas", a consecrated process
which a high ranking Lama invites the deity to enter into
the completed image, and the statue is believed to contain
the actual presence of the deity, the dharmakaya, or Truth
Body of the Buddha.
