SADBHUJA MAHAKALA. GILDED BRONZE.
Tibet. 16th/17th century.

Bronze with heavy gilding and ritual colors; bottom of the base is closed. The six-armed Sadbbuja-Mahakala on a lotus base; is trampling in Alidhadas stance the Hindu god Ganesha. He has an elephant's skin spread over his back. He is holding the cleaver kattrika in his hands in front of his body and skull bowl (kalasha) filled with brain as a sign for the overcoming of self-interest and desires; at the same time the skull bowl is a symbol for the understanding of the emptiness of the spirit and all phenomena. The middle hands are holding the damaru drum and a catching loop for capturing the demons. As a protector of the doctrine he is wearing jewellery and a scull crown in his flaming hair. His wrathful appearance indicates that he was bested by Padmasambhava and was compelled as a protector of Buddhism. He is considered to be the patron saint of the Karma-Kagy? as well as the Gelug-School and especially the Dalai Lama. The figure is also closed with a plate with double dorje at the bottom. Height 18cm; width 13.5cm. Condition A/B.Art trade; Van Ham.