Vajrapani
gilt copper alloy
Mongolia, School of Zanabazar
late 17th - early 18th century
height 19 cm – 7 ½ in

This vigorously sculpted figure is Vajrapani or the Thunderbolt Bearer, a wrathful and powerful deity and remover of obstacles. As a fierce protector of the Buddhist faith he is often portrayed near the entrance to shrine halls in Tibetan and Mongolian temples. This deity is of special importance to Zanabazar, who was initiated in the mysteries of Vajrapani by the Dalai Lama in Tibet in 1649. In the Geluk order, influential in Mongolian Buddhism, he is often grouped with Avalokiteshvara and Manjushri. Together these three celestial bodhisattvas are thought of as archangelic protectors and represent the power (Vajrapani), compassion (Avalokiteshvara) and wisdom (Manjushri) of all the Buddhas of the past, present and future.

Vajrapani is standing in the militant pose or pratyalidhasana, holding the vajra (thunderbolt) in his right hand. His left hand is alertly poised in a threatening gesture. He has flaming red hair, three popping eyes and his moustache and eyebrows have flame-like forms. His long snake necklace and tiger skin loincloth are typical of wrathful deities, but generally his ornaments are those of the benign bodhisattvas: a jewelled five-pointed crown, elaborate earrings, bracelets, necklaces and anklets. His active posture, arm gestures, toes that are curled upwards, hair standing on end and swirling scarf loosely draped around his shoulders all convey a suggestion of imminent movement and agitation. The snake necklace probably refers to another form of Vajrapani as a ‘spell-deity’, which is the deified form of a snake charm, and specifically as a protector against snakebites.

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