04/01/2025
A large Sino-Tibetan cold-gilded bronze group of Palden Lhamo, 20th century
A fine bronze depicting Palden Lhamo, the only female Dharmapala in Tibetan Buddhism, in a dynamic pose riding on her mythical mule Kyang Go Karkar ("pure white mule"). As the wrathful protector of the Dharma and protective deity of the line of the Dalai Lamas, she is surrounded by a finely pierced halo of flames (jvalamala),
which underlines her transcendent power and spiritual energy.
The figure impresses with its wide-open third eye, symbol of omniscience, and its high,
flowing hair, set in deep red. Her upper body is adorned with detailed garlands,
necklaces (kanthika) and an ornate waist belt (mekhala).
The mule, depicted in dynamic movement with its front leg outstretched, gallops over a stylized river of blood, while its decorations such as reins and ornaments emphasize the complexity of the depiction. On either side are her wrathful companions, Makaramukha (crocodile face) and Simhamukha (lion face), who represent protection and the overcoming of obstacles. The elaborately curved flame aureole shows rhythmically arranged tongues of flame, symbolizing the purifying fire of wisdom. The rectangular base, with engraved mountain landscapes, refers to the sacred topographies of Tibet.
The figure is adorned with gemstones, including genuine rubies and turquoise.
The attributes of all the figures are made of silver, and some, like the bell around the mule's neck, are movable.
Date
20th century or possibly earlier.
https://www.ebay.de/itm/186873757654
