Silver-gilt figure "Vajrabhairava", Qing dynasty

It depicts Vajrabhairava (大威德金刚) standing on multiple legs and standing on small deities and animals that are, in turn, lying on a lotus base. Behind his back are 32 arms, arranged in a fan shape, holding different attributes. In front of his body, his two main arms embrace his consort, Vajravetali, while holding a knife and a bowl. The head is shaped like a buffalo, with a terrifying face under waving red hair, looking like flames, and terrifying faces on the forehead. On his back, he wears an elephant-shaped skin and a short, jeweled tunic. The faces, hair and other elements are polychrome.

Height: 7.20 cm; Base size: 2.90 x 5.60 cm; Weight: 254 g

Provenance: European private collection