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14. Vajrasattva Cambodia, Khmer Angkor 12th c. bronze, cast in the lost wax method, throne, figure and nimbus are separately cast height 28 cm. |
The cult of Vajrasattva belongs to the Tantric path to enlightenment and sets particular intellectual and spiritual demands. It flourished in Cambodia between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, only to disappear with the collapse of the Angkor empire, though in Tibet it still remains a living tradition. This important deity with his customary attributes, the ghanta (bell) and the vajra (thunderbolt), respectively female and male and symbolic of wisdom and compassion, represents spiritual perfection. Vajrasattva is considered the essence, the highest Buddha, the Adi-Buddha. He is also the embodiment of the five cosmic elements and the spiritual father of the five transcendental Buddhas. Associated with power and maleness, he is accordingly the subject of many hymns and verses. Vajrasattva sits in the virasana posture with his right leg resting on his left. On the sole of his right foot is the dharmacakra, the wheel of the Buddhist law. The lotus throne follows the contour of his legs and has a double row of pronounced lotus petals which continue around the back. In his right hand he holds a vajra at chest level; his left hand, holding a ghanta, rests on his left thigh . The god’s facial features are precise and well executed - the eyebrows rendered by a continuous curved line and the open almond-shaped eyes with their engraved pupils outlined with a double contour. The sensuous smiling mouth and the chin are subtly defined and the three beauty folds appear on his neck. The ushnisha, symbol of his ultimate wisdom, is incorporated in the three-tiered coiffure, which has a lotus-bud finial. The Adi-Buddha is adorned with a diadem, flowers above his ears, ear pendants, a necklace, bracelets, anklets and ornaments. The radiance of the god is emphasized by a flaming nimbus with stylized branches that symbolize the bodi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment when he meditated at Bodh Gaya. The nimbus is crowned by a parasol, one of the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols, which keeps away the heat of evil desires. The large number of Angkor’s temples are among the most important religious monuments in the world. Suryavarman II who ruled Cambodia from circa 1113 to circa 1150, is famed as the great warrior king who expanded the Khmer empire and founded Angkor Wat. This royal temple mountain was his personal funeral monument and is unrivalled in architectural greatness. The finely modelled sculptures produced during this period which covers most of the twelfth century (c.1100 to c.1175) are often characterized by grandeur and dignity and are part of the great historical legacy of Khmer civilization. As exemplified by his powerful posture, this cosmic Buddha is depicted with a well-balanced shape, with beautiful proportions and finely delineated details. The figure, fine decorated nimbus and double lotus throne are all well cast and complemented by a fine natural greenish patina. The inspired facial expression enhances the presence of a great and generous divinity, an embodiment of serenity, wisdom and compassion. This rare image of Vajrasattva is a masterpiece of classical Khmer bronze sculpture. Provenance: Private collection Belgium. Art Loss Register Certificate, Reference S00004041. H . Jessup and T. Zéphir, Sculpture of Angkor and Ancient Cambodia, Millennium of Glory, Washington D.C. National Gallery of Art, 1997, n°19. Northeast Thailand, Vajrasattva, Khmer style, 12th century, height 22,7 cm. D .P. Leidy, Treasures of Asian Art: The Asia Society’s Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. Abbeville Press, New York, London, Paris, 1994, p.109, n°98.Cambodia, Vajrasattva, Angkor Vat style, first half 12th century, height 12,7 cm, 1979.67. P. Pal, The Sensuous Immortals. Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, 1977, p.244, n°148A. Cambodia, a Buddhist God, Angkor Vat style, 1100-1150, height 17,7 cm. |