437 - GILT COPPER REPOUSSE PLAQUE DEPICTING SIMHAMUKHA, TIBET, 16TH CENTURY

GILT COPPER REPOUSSE PLAQUE DEPICTING SIMHAMUKHA, TIBET, 16TH CENTURY Dimensions: Height 37 cm Wide 25 cm Depth 3 cm Weight: 840 grams Finely ambossed plaque depicting the wrathful dakini Simhamukha, the Lion-Faced Dakini, shown in dynamic posture upon a lotus pedestal set atop a double vajra and geometric mandala base. The fierce deity is rendered with a leonine face, flaming hair adorned with skulls, and a garland of severed heads, holding ritual attributes in her hands. At the center is a rectangular panel engraved with a grid of seed syllables and sacred characters, framed by swirling flames symbolizing the destruction of obstacles and negative forces. The reverse cast in relief with a corresponding image and inscriptions. Retaining extensive original gilding with rich surface wear and patina. Simhamukha is a powerful tantric manifestation associated with the transformation of anger into wisdom and the subjugation of harmful influences. Plaques of this type were employed in advanced Vajrayana ritual practice and served as potent protective objects.