Qing-Republic, circa: early 20th century
H 7.5 in.(18cm.), W 5.5 in.(14cm.), D 3.25 in.(8.5cm.)
Condition: Very Good
A
vigorous, colorful Jambhala, God of Wealth, well modeled and cast, ornamented
with bone beads and five pointed crown, mounted on a striding four-clawed dragon
holding a large wish-fulfilling gem and colored with cold pigments on the bronze;
the scales fiery red and the feathery mane and tail painted bright green. The
statue is heavily gilded, with most of the gilding still fresh; Jambhala's fierce
expression intensified with red paint on the eyebrows and the blood streaming
from the sides of his mouth, symbolizing his zealous destruction of the enemies
of the Dharma; his hair rising upward like flames is also painted red. The figures
ride on an oval beaded double-lotus base atop which is a jewel spitting mongoose
and a heap of wish-fulfilling gems. The bottom has been ceremonially sealed and
is imprinted with a double dorje.