Chakrasamvara Embracing Vajravarahi, 1403-1424
Unknown artist, Tibetexpand_more
Gilt bronzeexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 97.156.2a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
The embrace of the esoteric deity Chakrasamvara and his consort, Vajravārāhī, symbolizes the union of wisdom and compassion, an important principle of Vajrayana Buddhism. The four-faced, twelve-armed god holds Vajravārāhī in his arms while trampling on the Hindu deities Bhairava and Kalaratri, who represent ignorance and evil.
The exquisitely finished deities are adorned with crowns and garlands of skulls and severed human heads. Chakrasamvara holds a thunderbolt and a ghanta (bell). Other attributes include the severed head of Brahma; a kapola (lasso); a damaru (ax); trident; sword; and skull cup. The image bears an imperial inscription dating it to the reign of the Yongle emperor of China. The Yongle (r. 1403–24) and Xuande (r. 1426–35) emperors sought services of Tibetan lamas, and missions to and from China involved the exchange of gifts, Buddhist images, and ritual objects.
Details
- Title
- Chakrasamvara Embracing Vajravarahi
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 97.156.2a,b
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.