THE TRANSCENDENT BUDDHA VAIROCANA.
Tibet. Ca. 16th/17th c.

Figure from cast copper bronze; gilt and painted with pigments. Base in repouss? gilt copper bronze. The well-proportioned face shows a fine smile and residue of the detailed painting; especially at the left eye. The hands held in front of the heart in a mirrored bodyangi mudra; which symbolizes the unification of opposites. The kasaya garment draped in elegant folds over the left shoulder and arm and in front of his feet. The base closed underneath. In the radiological examination; it became visible that the base is filled with smaller rounded forms; which are probably cereals; possibly barley.

Vairocana as the central of the five big Tathagata Buddha symbolizes the absolute wisdom and radiates throughout the whole universe. His mudra resembles the teaching gesture; as he is revered as a great teacher. Height 25cm. Condition A/B. Some older repairs beneath the gilding.

Provenance:
-Private collection Southern Germany; acquired in the 1960s/70s.

The figure was radiologically examined. For the x-ray please contact us via e-mail: asia@van-ham.comArt trade; Van Ham.