A Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze figure of Mahakala, 18th/19th cen...

Hammer

£2,500

A Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze figure of Mahakala, 18th/19th century. With six arms, his flame like tufts of hair framing his fierce visage holding various implements, hinged elephant skin cape and wearing a tiger skin skirt, on an associated carved wood base, total height 10.5cm, width 8cm, depth 4cm. The protector deity Mahakala is a wrathful form of the primordial Vajradhara, the supreme essence of all Buddhas. In his six-armed form he is also considered as a fierce and powerful manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Mahakala's fearsome appearance and the terrifying implements that he holds display his capability to cope with our persistent and unwanted negativities. Private collection of a Parisian lady (1876-1964), whence by family descent to the present South West Cornwall vendor. The condition is excellent