A rare black stone stele of Vajravarahi

A rare black stone stele of Vajravarahi

Dancing on her left foot over a supplicant on a double-lotus base, holding a skull cup, khatvanga and a curved knife, adorned with jewelry and a garland of skulls, her wrathful face with three bulging eyes surmounted by a skull tiara and high chignon topped by the sow’s head, backed by a flaming mandorla, the base centered by auspicious offerings flanked by two kneeling worshippers 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm.) high.

Details

  • Title : A rare black stone stele of Vajravarahi
  • Classification : Sculpture
  • Medium : Black Stone
  • Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
  • Period : 15TH CENTURY
  • Collection : Christies
  • LOT : 73
  • Lot Essay : Though Vajravarahi is frequently depicted in union with Chakrasamvara as the embodiment of wisdom, she also has an independent identity as a supreme deity and enlightened female. Milarepa sang her praises as follows: Woman is essentially wisdom, Source of spontaneous prajna and subtle body Never consider her inferior; Strive especially to see her as Vajravarahi
  • Price realised : USD 92,500
  • Estimate : USD 80,000 - USD 120,000
  • Provenance : Acquired in New York by 1998
  • Literature : P. Pal, Himalayas, an Aesthetic Adventure, 2003, p.227-228, figure 148