This exquisitely modeled sculpture depicts the Buddhist deity Vajrasattva. Certain Lamaist sects identify Vajrasattva with Vajradhara who is considered to be the esoteric manifestation of Adi (primordial) Buddha. However, he is generally considered as the sixth Dhyani Buddha and the priest of the five Dhyani Buddhas.
Vajrasattva has been widely represented in India and other Buddhist countries during the period of later Buddhism. A Buddhist text Advayavajra-sanghra contains information pertaining to Vajrasattva. His cult is particularly popular in Mahayanic countries.
In the present form, he is shown seated in padmasana on a double lotus throne. He has two hands: the right hand holds a five-pronged vajra, while the left hand placed on the thigh is holding a vajra-ghanta (bell). These two priestly symbols emphasise perhaps his position as the priest of the Dhyani Buddhas.
His body is slim and slender. The eyes are half-closed and are looking inwards in meditation. There is a sacred mark between the eyebrows. His neck has three folds and his lips are upturned. He is wearing a shoulder mantle, flowing scarf, and a skirt as the lower garment. The borders of the garment are incised with decorative designs. He is bedecked in ornaments which include a finely executed five-pronged crown, necklaces, armlets, bracelets and anklets.
Ref.
Alice Getty, The Gods of Northern Buddhism, Tokyo, Japan, 1962.
P. Pal, Art of the Himalayas: Treasures from Nepal and Tibet, New York.
S. K. Saraswati, Tantrayana Art: An Album, Calcutta, 1977.
This description by Dr. Shailendra Kumar Verma, Ph.D. His doctorate thesis is on the "Emergence and Evolution of the Buddha Image (from its inception to 8th century A.D)."
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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