TIBET, XVEME SIECLE

Although one attribute, the vajra, is missing which was formerly placed on the lotus flower at his right shoulder side, it is most likely that the bronze represents Vajradhara (‘Diamond Holder’). The other attribute is the ghanta or priest-bell. Both hands are crossed in front of his chest in the so-called vajrahumkaramudra, a gesture particular for Vajradhara. He is seen as the Primordial Buddha or Adi Buddha and heads the five Buddha families. In fact represented as a bodhisattva, he is the Adi Buddha of the Gelugspa order. Like Vajrasattva is the Primordial Buddha for the Kadampa school and the naked Samanthabhadra for the Nyingmapa’s. The superb casting of the figure makes it a great testimony of Tibetan religious art.