Nagaraja, King Muchalinda, Tibet

A rare depiction of King Muchalinda curled up on its base adorned with stylized lotus petals, his hands clasped in anjali mudra holding the flaming jewel: The Cintamani, a legendary wish-fulfilling stone that is also a symbol of the Buddha's teaching, transforming negative thoughts into wisdom. The cintamini (or Chintamini) also refers to the flaming jewel on the vase of the Eight Auspicious Symbols, which represents abundance and intellectual wealth. In Nepalese and Tibetan sculpture, some of the Naga kings and queens from the Densatil Monastery are depicted with arms, legs, and a headdress composed of three to seven cobras. From the 17th century onwards, their legs were gradually replaced by a snake tail. The base is sealed with a double vajra. Polychrome copper alloy, Tibet, probably 17th/18th century. Provenance: Succession Claude de Marteau Sold with certificate of provenance. H 11.5 cm x W 8.5 cm x D 7 cm Weight: 406 grams. See this Nagaraja, King Muchalinda, Tibet, in full screen mode on Vintage Addict