In
Tibetan esoteric traditions Samantahbhadra embodies the Primordial Buddha. Traditionally
depicted in deep midnight blue, he is shown in deep tantric union with his consort
Samantabhadri who is usually revealed in pristine white.
Here,
rendered in antique gilt bronze, they are shown in deep embrace the sacred union
of Yab-Yum. The youthful supple female Samantabhadri arches up towards Samantabhadra
meeting his penetrating gaze, his peaceful power and strength. She holds the vajra
and the conch in her uplifted arms. His arms wrap around her and meet in the dhyana
mudra. As the embodiment of compassion he embraces her transcendent wisdom. Together
they are shown here in their nakedness unadorned (except for the finely wrought
detail in the hair of both deities) so that these essential qualities are revealed.
This 19th century Tibetan statuary is a rare and subtle evocation of power and
beauty. (SD)
