One of the earliest surviving tantric sculptures, this figure of Vajrapani-“he who holds the lightning bolt”-places his hand on a vajra, a thunderbolt symbol that refers to the lightning speed with which practitioners may achieve enlightenment when they follow tantric techniques. The prongs of the lightning bolt are in his hair; his arms are crossed, and a knotted snake is slung around his hips.
Vajrapani’s elaborate hairstyle, along with the gentle articulation of the cloth, subtly swaying postures, and introspective expressions are close derivations from 5th-century models, thereby implying an early date for the bronze.
Details
- Title : Bodhisattva Vajrapani
- Year : 700s
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Copper with traces of gilt
- Dimension : Overall: 17.8 cm (7 in.)
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Period : 8th century
- Collection : The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Credit Line : John L. Severance Fund 1982.52
- Status : On View 237 Himalayan
- Collection : Nepalese Art
- Department : Indian and Southeast Asian Art
- Provenance : Pan Asian Collection
- Exhibition history : The Year in Review for 1982. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (January 5-February 6, 1983).