Large Statue Of Vajrasattva Buddha

Large Statue of Vajrasattva Buddha
This Buddha statue sits on a lotus-shaped pedestal and features a distinctive finish, consisting of partial gilding accented with silver highlights on a dark metal alloy (likely bronze), common in Himalayan metalwork, which highlights the motifs on the robes and lotus petals
The convex inner surfaces of the lotus petals are thickly gilded. Because of their luster and warm, golden-orange hue, they appear to be polished gemstones when viewed from a distance.
Vajrasattva is depicted as a bodhisattva prince, adorned with a five-petaled crown, long flowing locks of hair, elaborate necklaces, and earrings, symbolizing the transformation of worldly pleasures into spiritual realization.
Vajrasattva, known in Tibetan as Dorje Sempa, is the quintessential Buddha of purification, clarity, and the transmutation of negative karma.
He sits in the full lotus position atop a double-lotus pedestal. His right hand rests on his heart, holding a vertical vajra (thunderbolt), which symbolizes the indestructible nature of ultimate reality and skillful means. His left hand rests on his hip, holding an upward-facing ghanta (bell), symbolizing wisdom and feminine emptiness. Together, these two ritual objects represent the perfect union of wisdom and compassion.
28 cm wide, 19 cm deep, and 40.5 cm high.
Total weight: 5 kg.
Mid-century Himalayan art.