Vajradhara is the embodiment of “emptiness” or “void”, the ultimate Buddhist goal, symbolized by the Vajra held in his right hand. The bell (ghanta), held in the left hand, symbolizes wisdom (prajna), its sound penetrating the world. Vajradhara is widely revered in Nepal and Tibet. This image, of Nepalese manufacture, was aquired at Shigatse, southern Tibet by members of the Younghusband expedition to Lhasa in 1904.
Details
- Title : Vajradhara
- Year : 16th century
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Gilt copper, set with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli
- Dimension : Height: 21.5 cm, Width: 15.1 cm, Depth: 14.3 cm, Width: 7.5 cm Elbow to elbow width, Depth: 6.5 cm Top of the objects held in the figure's hands (bell and Vajra) to back, Depth: 4 cm Nose to back of the figure's head, Width: 4.3 cm Width of headdress
- Accession No : IM.41-1910
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Culture : Buddhist
- Collection : Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
- Status : In Storage