Central Asia, Tibet, 19th century CE. This incredibly detailed bronze gilded statue depicts Hayagriva, a horse-headed form of Shiva, embracing his shakti (female consort), Vajravarahi. They represent the concept of Yab-Yum, literally "father-mother", which is a common symbol in Indian, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepalese Buddhism. This example is inset with three cabochon rubies, one cabochon emerald, and wears a diadem of skulls topped by a horse's head and flames. Size: 3" L x 6" W x 7.75" H (7.6 cm x 15.2 cm x 19.7 cm))

It represents the male (compassion and skillful means) in sexual union with the female (wisdom and insight). In this statue, Hayagriva holds Vajravarahi with two of his ten arms; he is also four headed. With his other arms, he holds a variety of objects, including several tools, weapons, and a shrunken head that he grasps by its long hair, which represents the four-faced head of Brahma. Both he and his consort are dressed in finery, wearing jewelry, crowns, and elaborate costumes. They are framed by flames and stand atop a tiered throne. Beneath their feet are small human corpses. The level of skill represented in this carving is amazing -- every time I look at it, I'm seeing a new detail.

Provenance: Ex-Bricker Collection

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#119218

Patina on surface.