Vajradhara
Sculpture
16th century (made)
16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Gilt copper set with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli, Nepal, 16th century
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Vajradhara (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Gilt copper, set with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli |
| Brief description | Gilt copper set with turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli, Nepal, 16th century |
| Dimensions |
|
| Credit line | Purchased from Messrs Spink & Son Ltd, 6 King Street, St. James's London, S.W |
| Object history | The museum bought this object from the dealers, Messrs Spink and Son. The archive file notes that it was 'acquired during the British Mission to Lhasa in 1904'. This military campaign led by Major Francis Younghusband (1863-1942) fought its way from India to Lhasa, with the aim of forcing Tibet to engage in trade with British India and to counter perceived Russian influence in the region. The Tibetan army proved no match for the British-led troops and thousands were killed. Many objects were brought back to Britain in consequence of the invasion. Some had been purchased, but many had been looted from Tibetan monasteries, temples, and homes. The object is attributed in the file to 'Shigatse Monastery', presumably Tashi Lhunpo. However, the invading force did not go to Shigatse, so it may have been acquired during a subsequent mission in the region. Purchased from Messrs Spink & Son Ltd, 6 King Street, St. James's London, S.W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project. RP 1910- 2993M |
| Subject depicted | |
| Bibliographic reference | (also had this note attached )
Vajradhara, Gilt copper, set with precious stones
Nepal, found in Tibet: 18th-19th century
IM41-1910
Absolute Buddha nature in its undifferentiated state is expressed by a single Buddha whose name and form varies according to schools and traditions. Vajrsdhara is particularly venerated by the Gelukpa sect to which all the Dalai Lamas have belonged. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.41-1910 |
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| Record created | February 13, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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