King of Gods Indra 帝释天
Dharma Protector King
Origin: Nepal or Tibet. Circa: 18th- 19th Century
H 10.5 in. (26.7cm), W 9 in. (23cm), D 6 in. (15cm)
Condition: minor imperfections, overall very good!
Indra is the supreme deity in the ancient Vedic tradition. He is regarded as the lord of seven heavens, the god of war, and the god of rain and thunderstorms. In the Buddhist tradition, he is the Dharmapala Vajrapani. He embodies the Five Dhyani Buddhas, as the protector of the Dharma and the Historical Buddha. Indra is known as Sakka in Jainism, in Chinese as Dishitian, and Japanese as Taishakuten. In Taoism, he is the Heavenly Jade Emperor.
Indra is seated in royal ease with legs pendant. His extended right arm rested gently above one knee. To his left, a vajra on a large lotus rose above his shoulder. His arm reaches down by the leaning torso. He is wearing a finely carved large crown decorated with jewels around a Garuda emblem, his face lightly turning to the left. In complex configurations, the natural poise of his figure appears with a living quality. As his countenance expressing majestic omniscience that emanates the divine grace with a powerful presence, he seems to be moving when seen from changing angles. The copper gilded bronze is aged and darkened luxuriantly, harmonized with ornamented laid-on carvings gilded in pure gold. Jeweled with turquoise and carnelian stones for the armbands, earrings, necklaces, and crown. The statue is cast in solid and weight five pounds. Its superb artistry leaves no doubt that this is a rare work of skill and integrity.
