19th Century Sino-Tibetan Gilt Bronze Buddhist Statue

Description

An unusual Sino-Tibetan gilt and painted bronze statue of Vajrabhairava with consort Vetali dating from the 18th or 19th century. … more An unusual Sino-Tibetan gilt and painted bronze statue of Vajrabhairava with consort Vetali dating from the 18th or 19th century. He stands with his sixteen legs in alidhasana or battle stance on an assortment of trampled deities lying upon a single lotus pedestal. A bird perches near his left foot on the pedestal. He holds a skull cap and a flaying knife in two of his hands while supporting his consort, who holds the same implements. The rest of his 34 arms fan out around him on either side in various mudra. Vajrabhairava himself has nine faces in a circular arrangement, the largest of which is a buffalo's head. Flames frame his head, and an elephant skin stretches across his back.
In overall good condition with age-appropriate wear, two small pins used to attach the groups of arms could be replaced.
2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm) wide, 2 in. (5 cm) deep, 4 1/2 in. (11.4 cm) tall, approx. 500 grams.
Provenance: From a private New York City collection, originally purchased from the Baltimore Antique Show. less