Vajrapani Bodhisattva

NEPAL

This polished statue of Vajrapani Bodhisattva is shown sitting in full lotus position rather than standing. The crowned figure sits in with eyes downcast in deep contemplation. The neck has the three lines of a great person and the upper body is adorned with jewelry. The right hand is raised at chest level in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, while the left hand rests on the leg and holds a vajra. The circular mandorla, rising from behind a lotus pedestal is decorated with orderly patterns of flames that emphasize the texture of the copper.
Vajrapani, the thunderbolt wielder, symbolizes the power of the Buddha. This statue dates from the 9th to 10th century when the style of Mahayana Buddhism was developing into Vajrayana Buddhism during the influential Pala period (circa 8th–12th century).