Bhairava, Siva’s dreadful and vilant emanation, reposse copper with gilding and paint, and inset with stones, Malla period, Katmandu, Nepal, 17th century.
Historical context note
Bhairava is a wrathful and vengeful aspect of Siva. The image is adorned with skulls, snakes form his earrings and necklace and his hair rises in a flame like nimbu. This is a large scale image, richly decorated with inlaid stones intended for public worship; it has a small opening at the mouth through which blessed liquids were poured for the benefit of devotees. The cult of Bhairava worship is widely practised in Nepal. Once a year, to mark the indra-jatra festival, a major image of the Bhairava in the Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu, is exposed for public worship.
Descriptive line
Bhairava mask, repoussé copper with gilding and paint, set with rock crystal, carnelian and coloured glass, Nepal, 17th century, Malla period
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Guy, John: ‘Indian Temple Sculpture’, London, V & A Publication, 2007, p.133, pl.149.
ISBN 9781851775095.
p. 39, pl. 14
Tibetan art / John Lowry. London: H. M. Stationery Office, 1973
p. 90
Ayers, J. Oriental Art in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London 1983, ISBN 0-85667-120-7
Clarke, John; The New Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum,
Orientations; vol. 48. no. 5, September/October 2017, p. 68, fig. 8.
Labels and date
Bhairava Mask
1600–1700
Malla period
The worship of Bhairava, an angry, vengeful manifestation
of Shiva, is still important in Nepal. Snakes form his
earrings and encircle his neck, while skulls adorn his crown.
His hair is of stylised flames. This large image was used
in public worship. Alcohol would be poured through the
mouth from the rear. In drinking it, devotees would receive
blessings from the god.
Repoussé copper with gilding and paint, turquoises, rock crystal and
semi-precious stones
Nepal
Museum no. IM.172-1913 [14/06/2011]
Details
- Title : Bhairava
- Year : 17th century (made)
- Classification : Mask/ Sculpture
- Medium : Repousse copper, with gilding and paint, reverse-painted rock crystal (red), carnelian and coloured glass (in imitation of emeralds, turquoises and lapis lazuli[?])
- Dimension : Height: 68.6 cm, Width: 63.5 cm
- Accession No : IM.172-1913
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Culture : Buddhism
- Period : Malla period
- Collection : Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)
- Acquisition Method : purchased for £180
- Status : Buddhism, Room 17, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art, case 5