A large thangka of Vajrabhairava, Tibet, 18th century

Sotheby's London, 12th October 1989, lot 43.

European Private Collection.

The central figure on this large powerful thangka is Yamantaka Vajrabhairava, the main tutelary deity of the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism, dark blue in color, with nine heads, thirty-four arms and sixteen legs. The main head is that of a wrathful buffalo with two horns, whilst the small topmost head is that of Manjushri, indicating that Yamantaka Vajrabhairava is the wrathful tantric form of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Yamantaka Vajrabhairava (also known as the Death Tamer and the Diamond Terrifier) is especially important for the Gelugpas, due to lineage founder Lama Tsongkhapa’s special assocation with Manjushri, the Conqueror of Yama.

Standing on a sun disc above a lotus throne, he embraces his pale blue consort, Vajravetali; together they symbolize the union of method and wisdom. In his hands he holds various tantric implements which symbolically destroy all defilements and all enemies of the dharma, whilst underfoot he tramples on numerous animals, birds, humans and devas. Both hold a skull bow and chopper in their main hands and both are naked except for bodily adornments of skulls and bones, indicating there are no delusions. They are encircled by powerful tongues of orange-red flames.