Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 16th century CE. This incredibly detailed, cast bronze gilded statue depicts the god 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 has beautiful red pigmentation in its lower profile areas. Size: 5" W x 5" H (12.7 cm x 12.7 cm)

Yab-Yum represents the male (compassion and skillful means) in sexual union with the female (wisdom and insight). In this statue, Shiva 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 cast is amazing; every time I look at it, I see a new detail.

Provenance: private R.A. Bock collection, Los Angeles, California, USA; purportedly ex-Sotheby's, New York, USA

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#123357

Intact. Some of the original gilding remains, especially on the face, as does much of the original red pigment. Dark patina on exposed bronze.