Description The wrathful deity standing in pratyalidhasana on prostrate figures above a lotus base, his right hand raised holding a vajra and in his left hand a ghanta, his ferocious face surmounted by a fire-scroll hair and diadem, wearing a tiger-skin dhoti and celestial scarf, with a long snake draped around his back, and small figurines along his belly. The base sealed and incised with a double vajra. The figure and base separately cast. Vajrapani is extensively represented in Buddhist iconography as one of the earliest three protective deities or bodhisattvas surrounding the Buddha, as he protects Buddha and manifests his power. Provenance: From a private collection in Southampton, United Kingdom. Condition: Very good condition with expected old wear, few nicks, small dents, light surface scratches, and some casting flaws. Weight: 998 g Dimensions: Height 14.5 cm Literature comparison Compare a related figure of Vajradhara, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Buddhist Statues of Tibet, no. 171. Auction result comparison Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 11 September 2019, lot 365 Price: USD 7,500 or approx. EUR 8,200 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt-bronze figure of Vajrapani, Tibet, 16th-17th century Expert remark: Compare the related pose and fine embellishments. Note the smaller size (10.5 cm) and slightly earlier dating. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 21 March 2012, lot 798 Price: USD 12,500 or approx. EUR 15,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A gilt bronze figure of Vajrapani, Tibet or Tibeto-Chinese, 17th/18th century Expert remark: Compare the related pose, fine embellishments, and size (14.6 cm). Note the wood base.