Mahakala

Bronze fire-gilt Tibet or China , 17th to 18th century Weight: 749 grams Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 5 cm Provenance: Private Collection U.K. , acquired from Dreweatts Auction house Mahakala in wide stance trampling on a small person and a horse, altogether on a lotus with beaded rim. Mahakala is dressed in rich armor and adorned with jewellery, a skull crown which can't tame the wild mane streaming upwards like fire. With his left hand he forms a mudra by thumb touching middle and ring finger, the other hand is raised in the air holding a dagger. He has bulging eyes with bushy eyebrows, a broad nose and the open mouth reveals his fangs. The back of the statue shows the same detail. He may look like a demon but the third eye on his forehead tells us that he is only a fierce emanation and protector of the dharma teachings.