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A gilt bronze figure of Vasudhara, 14th century, Nepal
Vasudhara is the 'Goddess of Well Being' - granting everything that is needed for a life blessed with
prosperity, wealth, fertility, and without hardship; she is the Buddhist counterpart of the Hindu goddess
Lakshmi, and is very popular in Nepal - particularly in the Kathmandu Valley where agriculture is of great
importance.
In this gilt bronze, she is depicted in the six-armed tantric form. She carries a book to signify that she
is the disseminator of wisdom; the ear of corn as the symbol of abundance, nourishment and fertility; the
vessel of gems symbolizing spiritual wealth; and a jewel to symbolize material wealth. The goddess sits at
ease on a flat oval base in lalita asana with her right leg extended and the foot resting on a small lotus
flower pedestal. She wears a dhoti around her waist and is adorned with regal jewellery and a five-pronged
floral crown; the latter screens her topknot of hair that is surmounted by a vajra - representing her spiritual
power. Her face bears a gently smiling expression.
Height: 15.5 cm
Similar examples: 'Himalayan Bronzes' Technology, Style, and Choices by Chandra L. Reedy, University of Delaware Press,
Newark and Associated University Presses, London - figures N273 and N276.
'On the Path to Enlightenment', The Berti Aschmann Foundation of Tibetan Art at the Museum Rietberg Zurich, published in
1995 - page 152.
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