Item Type: Tibetan Antique Ritual Items
Style: Tibetan
Dimensions: Height: 21.65 in (55 cm) Diameter: 3.35 in (8.5 cm)
Materials and Techniques: Li Ma Purple Bronze
Place of Origin: Tibet
Period: 19th Century
Condition: Good
This is a collection-level Tibetan art piece from the Qing Dynasty, crafted from the rare material of
Lima Purple Copper. It boasts exquisite craftsmanship and a commanding presence. Within its design, it emits an aura of wrathful protector deities. Upon closer inspection, every minuscule detail of its casting seems to showcase its exquisite beauty and formidable strength to the world. The substantial size of this piece further enhances its artistic appeal. At its apex lies a realistic horse head, indicating its identity. Below it, fierce three-faced guardian deities come to life, exuding vivid and highly artistic expressions. They are the anthropomorphized forms of the Mahakala Vajra, their features blazing like flames, with three eyes wide open, seemingly glaring angrily at all malevolent obstacles in the world. Their cheeks are high and taut, muscles are prominently defined, and their lips are snarling in rage, revealing sharp fangs. The portrayal is immensely fearsome, sending shivers down one's spine, a testament to the resolute determination of these protector deities to dispel evil and vanquish demons and the boundless spiritual power they possess after achieving great enlightenment.
In the middle section, a cleverly designed double lotus pedestal creates a sense of space for the entire artefact, highlighting the transparent layering of the Vajra held in the middle of the pedestal. The portrayal of the Capricorn below is meticulously carved, vivid, and lifelike, with a hint of divine might visible in its brows. It perfectly integrates with the pointed Vajra body extended from above, its coiled serpent tail solidly hanging between the three-edged blades, in harmony with the dragon head above the Vajra.
The entire Vajra is made from Lima purple copper, with a bottom of cold iron three-edged blades. The natural oxidation and corrosion on the three-edged blades can be cleaned, but the creator chose to preserve them in their most original state. The original base for the Vajra, like the Vajra itself, is exquisitely crafted, made from mineral-colored mulberry wood, showcasing exceptional and unparalleled carving skills.
To describe such a fundamental Vajra as a collection-grade piece is not an exaggeration at all. Fellow practitioners with an eye for such treasures, do not miss out on this opportunity.
