Gilt Bronze Figure of Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava), Ming Style

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Collection

Sculpture & Religious Art

Period

Ming Style

Overview

A powerful gilt bronze figure of the wrathful deity Yamantaka, distinguished by its complex multi-armed iconography, dynamic posture, and richly worked ritual presence.

Description

This substantial gilt bronze sculpture represents a wrathful tantric deity identified as Yamantaka, shown in an intensely animated stance upon a lotus base above subdued figures. The composition is remarkable for its dramatic expansion outward from the center: a fierce principal face framed by multiple heads above, a radiating fan of many arms extending to either side, and a strongly planted lower body that gives the figure both movement and stability. Even at first glance, the sculpture conveys ritual force, spiritual authority, and highly charged visual energy.

Particularly striking is the density of the iconography. The deity is shown with multiple arms, each originally conceived to hold or display ritual attributes, while the crowned heads above the principal face reinforce the image’s hierarchical and esoteric complexity. The fierce expression, open mouth, flaring features, and flaming aureole-like backdrop all contribute to the wrathful character of the figure, while the elaborate jewelry, beaded ornaments, and inlaid details lend richness and ceremonial splendor to the surface. The gilding plays an essential role here, catching light across the many projecting forms and heightening the sculpture’s theatrical and devotional impact.

Works of this type are especially admired for the way bronze casting, gilding, and tantric Buddhist imagery are brought together in a single highly charged sculptural program. Here, the balanced symmetry of the arms, the layered hierarchy of heads, and the carefully articulated base figures create a work of exceptional presence. The sculpture is best appreciated not only as a religious image, but also as a major cabinet or altar piece valued for its complexity, craftsmanship, and commanding ritual character.

Details

• Object Type: Religious Figure / Tantric Buddhist Deity Sculpture

• Material: Gilt bronze

• Subject: Multi-armed wrathful deity, identified as Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava)

• Height: 42 cm

• Width: 30 cm

• Weight: 15350 g

• Origin: China / Himalayan Buddhist tradition

Condition

Overall in good display condition, with surface wear, rubbing to the gilding, minor age-related abrasions, and characteristics consistent with gilt bronze sculpture of this type. Small losses, wear to projecting details, and variation in surface tone are in keeping with age, handling, and ritual use.

Authenticity & Attribution Note

This sculpture is offered as a work in Ming style. The attribution is based on material, iconographic features, casting manner, and comparative visual judgment, and should be understood as stylistic rather than as an absolute guarantee of dynastic period, workshop, or exact religious origin. The identification of the deity is based on visual interpretation of the iconography and should be read accordingly.