Vajradhara
Artist/Maker
Artist Unknown
Artist Unknown
Date17th century
CultureTibetan
Mediumcopper alloy, gilding, pigment and semi-precious stones
DimensionsOverall: 8 1/8 x 6 1/4 x 4 1/8 in. (20.6 x 15.9 x 10.5 cm)
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineMuseum purchase through funds from Mr. and Mrs. C. Ruxton Love
Terms
Object number91.0289
On View
On viewCollections
DescriptionVajradhara literally means “vajra bearer.” He is the personification of the primordial (adi) or first Buddha. He sits in a meditative pose holding the vajra and bell, which symbolize the synthesis of compassion and wisdom. He wears the crown and jewelry of a Bodhisattva, which indicates his sambhogakaya (body of bliss). Vajrasattva is the primordial or Adi-Buddha of the Kadampa sect, founded in the 11th century. Essentially Vajrasattva is the same as Vajradhara. The only differentiation between them is iconographic – he holds the vajra and bell differently.- Art of Asia
17th century
late 15th-early 19th c.
17th century