A BRONZE FIGURE OF RATNASAMBHAVA

Description:

Tibet, 14th/ 15th cent.
H. 30,3 cm
Seated in vajrasana on a lotus base with his right hand lowered in the varadamudra while the left is resting on his lap, wearing dhoti, scarf floating around his shoulders encircling his arms and the finials falling down on the base, bejewelled, his face displaying a serene expression with downcast eyes below arched eyebrows that run into his nose-bridge, raised urna adoring his forehead, elongated earlobes with ear ornaments, his blue coloured hair combed in a chignon secured with a tiara decorated with a pair of flower heads and pattras, traces of cold-gilding.
European private collection
The bronze sculpture of Ratnasambhava from the 14th or 15th century belongs to the iconographic group of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, as developed within the tantric Buddhism of the Himalayan region (Nepal/Tibet). Within this system, Ratnasambhava represents the so-called wisdom of equality (Samatā-jñāna) as well as the transformation of pride into insight. Iconographically, the figure is typically depicted seated on a lotus throne, most often in the meditative posture (Vajraparyankasana). The right hand is characteristically shown in the varada mudra (gesture of giving), while the left hand rests in the lap and may hold a jewel (ratna). The color association of yellow - indicated in sculpture through gilding - corresponds to the element earth and is linked to the concepts of wealth and generosity - Minor wear and traces of age, very small repairs