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Buddha Vairocana

1300-1400 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Tibet (made)

This is an early image of the Buddha Vairocana, one of the five transcendent Buddhas (Tathagatas) of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. In Buddhist teachings which reached western Tibet from India during the 10th and 11th centuries Vairocana featured prominently and was of particular importance as the embodiment of Buddhahood. The image shows distinct Indian influence though created in Tibet. The lips, eyes, jewellery and robes of the image are skilfully inlaid with copper and silver.



Object details

Object type
Buddha Vairocana
Materials and techniques
Copper alloy with inlaid copper and silver with traces of gilding
Copper Alloy
Gilded
Inlaid
Brief description
Buddha Vairocana, bronze, Tibet, 14th century.
Physical description
The buddha Vairocana seated on a lotus throne, cross legged in dhyanasana, two hands raised to chest level making the dharmachakra mudra (teaching gesture). The figure wears anklets, bracelets, armlets and a tall crown and is encircled by symmetrically looping scarves.
Dimensions
  • Height: 27cm
  • Width: 20cm
  • 13th depth:
Credit line
Donated by the Macpherson family
Object history
Colllected by Major Robert N. Macpherson of the 40th Pathans (Indian Army) during the 1903-04 British Expedition to Tibet. Donated after being on loan to the Museum since 1919 by Mr M.R.N. Macpherson grandson of the collector.
Subject depicted
Places depicted
Associations
Tibet
Summary
This is an early image of the Buddha Vairocana, one of the five transcendent Buddhas (Tathagatas) of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition. In Buddhist teachings which reached western Tibet from India during the 10th and 11th centuries Vairocana featured prominently and was of particular importance as the embodiment of Buddhahood. The image shows distinct Indian influence though created in Tibet. The lips, eyes, jewellery and robes of the image are skilfully inlaid with copper and silver.

Bibliographic reference
Other number
LOAN:MACPHERSON.2 - Previous loan number
Collection
South & South East Asia Collection
Accession number
IS.11-2011

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Record createdJuly 12, 2011
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1227041/buddha-vairocana-unknown/
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