Liuli Figure ‘Mahakala’, Tibetan-Chinese, Ming-Qing dynasty

A vitreous paste of beautiful translucent pinkish-reddish colour, known as Liulí, ‘琉璃’ or ‘colored polish’ in English. It shows the image of the six-armed Mahakala with a fierce expression on his three faces, accentuated by bulging eyes, scowls and open mouth. The wrathful demeanour is emphasized by his dynamic posture in ‘alidhasana’ with his feet on two small prone beings and his multiple outstretched arms, carrying in them attributes such as a capala, an elephant skin, a long snake, or a khatvanga staff. He is adorned with fine beaded jewellery, a billowing sash and a long skin covering his thighs, while his hair is tied up in a high bun, and is topped by a beautiful foliated tiara. The figure stands on a lotiform throne framed by a halo of flames and surrounded by a fine celestial scarf draped over her shoulders. 

This representation of the deity refers to delusion and the many worldly attachments that must be overcome in order to attain enlightenment. The ‘琉璃’ (Liúlí) is a precious material that was introduced from ancient times via the Silk Road. In China it is considered as one of the most precious materials (gold, silver, jade, coloured enamel, ceramics and bronze), and as one of the ‘Seven Treasures of Buddhism’. The main component is lead-barium glass which, because of its risk, was used exclusively for decorative objects. The composition was obtained from the by-products of bronze smelting, which were refined and processed. More than 30 colours were available.

Made after the models of the Yongle period of the Ming dynasty. Ming - Qing Dynasty or later. 

Size: 20 x 8.5 x 16 cm

Weight: 2769 g