Tsatsa with Vajrasattva

CHINA, Tibet

This clay votive tablet, or tsatsa, features Vajrasattva with coiled hair and a high topknot adorned with a jewel. He wears a five-prong crown with ribbons hanging down around the round face and downcast eyes. Adorned with large earrings and ornaments, he also wears a red stole across his shoulders, as well as a dhoti. A vajra is held in front of his chest with his right hand, while his left hand, which is placed on his right ankle, grasps a bell. He is seated in full lotus position on an inverted lotus throne, below which there is a Sumeru throne with a lion on either side. The image of Vajrasattva is painted and is in high relief. He has a nimbus and a double mandorla, the outer band of which is decorated with lotus petals, flame, and bead patterns.