In Tibet, he has been one of the primary protectors of the Gelupa sect since the fourteenth century. He has two main aspects that of a warrior protector and that of deity of wealth. Here he has been shown mainly as the deity of wealth. In southern Buddhism, particularly in the Indian sub-continent he is known as Jambhala; because he also carries Jambhara (lemon) in one of his hands. Though he holds different attributes and forms, e.g., a sword, a banner, citron and flat vessel etc., but his most common attribute or insignia is mongoose (nakula), often vomiting jewels and in all description he is said to be fat and pot-bellied in appearance. His female counterpart is Vasudhara, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
In the present form he is shown seated on a horse. He has two hands, right hand holding a purse or bag, from which jewels are coming out and left hand holding a vase, contains wish-fulfilling jewels. He is adorned with a five-pronged crown. His hair is partly upswept in a knot with a decoration on it, behind the crown, and partly in tendril on his shoulders. He has three eyes and a slight open mouth. He is wearing necklaces, earrings, bracelets and shoes. The garment he is wearing consisting of an undershirt, sash, a cover-let flowing scarf and trousers.
The horse has two eyes on its flanks, one on each side. The horse's reins, bridle and saddle blanket etc. are partially decorated. The horse stands upon a pedestal, incised with the design of clouds.
The sculpture is beautifully modeled and well polished. Iconographically it is one of the rare representations of Vaishravana.
References:
A.K.Gordon, The Iconography of Tibetan Lamaism, New York, 1939
Alice Getty, The Gods of Northern Buddhism, Tokyo, 1962
Austin Waddell, Buddhism and Lamaism of Tibet, Delhi, 1978 (reprint)
S.K.Saraswati, Tantrayana Art: An Album, Calcutta, 1977.
This description by Dr. Shailendra Kumar Verma, Ph.D. His doctorate thesis being on the "Emergence and Evolution of the Buddha Image (from its inception to 8th century A.D).
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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