This statuette features Virupaksa, the guardian of the West, one of the four guardian kings of the four directions of the universe. These kings-guardians or Lokapala, are always shown in armour. The attributes of this character are a reliquary stupa, which was previously worn by the guardian of the North, and a snake. Despite her apparent canines, her face is smiling and welcoming. Some technical and stylistic details link this piece to the Lokapala of southern Tibet, depicted on the stupas that were probably built between 1350 and 1550. The figuration of kings-guardians in this country is strongly influenced by the influence of China, as the shows the armour with which it is clothed, and which is a variation of those dating from the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
The lost-wax technique has been used here to produce this pure copper statuette, and allow the exceptional treatment of floating scarves, snakes and hands. After having been gilded, this piece has been enhanced by a decoration of lapis lazuli, turquoise, pink and red coral, in a typical Tibetan fashion. Traces on the lips and the hair also show the use of polychrome. This work is part of esoteric Buddhism (Vajrayana) that characterizes the local culture. It is part of the decisive influence of China, reminiscent of the time when the latter had special ties with Tibet, which was in charge of religious affairs in the Mongol empire in the fourteenth century.
Text according to G. Beguin.
Details
- Title : Virūpākṣa
- Year : Fifteenth century
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Inlaid copper and gold
- Dimension : H: 71 cm
- Accession No : MA 4963
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Collection : The Guimet Museum of Asian Art