
Jing Wen
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Cataloguer

Global Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

International Director

International Specialist

Head of Sale, Specialist
A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF DORJE TA'OG
QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY
清 十八世紀 銅鎏金世間護法像
The origin story of Dorje Legpa is linked to the great Padmasambhava who subjugated the worldly spirit making him oath-bound as protector of Buddhism. His presence guards the sacred terma or treasure teachings of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. Over a rocky base, he rides astride a donkey and holds in his left hand a human heart, bearing his fangs and furrowing his brow in a guise meant to terrify all obstructing forces. Compare to another cast of the deity in the American Museum of Natural History (acc. no. 70.0/7474). For another example of the subject from the same period, see HAR 21638.
Provenance:
Precious Treasure, UK, 2000s