Description
Once part of a set of sculptures depicting the enlightened beings who occupy a perfect world called the Diamond Realm (Vajradhatu), this figure holds the collar of his jacket in a gesture specific to him. An important practice in Tibetan Buddhism is the visualization of the Diamond Realm as described in texts and aided by artistic representations called mandalas. Bodhisattva Vajraraksha sits in the northern quadrant as a subsidiary figure to the Buddha Amoghasiddhi, who is green in color and quells fear.
Provenance
(William H. Wolff, Inc., New York, NY, sold to Severance and Greta Millikin) (?–1971); Severance A. [1895–1985] and Greta [Marguerite Steckerl] Millikin [1903–1989], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art (1971–1989); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1989–)
Accession Number
1989.363
Medium
silver
Dimensions
Overall: 10.8 x 7 cm (4 1/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Severance A. Millikin
