A truly amazing piece of traditional Himalayan craftmanship; this beautiful yak leg bone carving that has been completely handcarved by an artisan bonecarver in Kathmandu. Just look at the attention that has been paid to all the tiniest details. This is a true masterpiece.
The intricate carving shows a depiction of Vajrapani in his 'krodha' (wrathful) manifestation.
Vajrapani is one of the earliest-appearing bodhisattva's in the teachings of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism. He is one of the three 'Great Bodhisattva's', the three bodhisattva's that are the nearest companions of Gautama Buddha. In this trinity, Vajrapani represents the Power of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara represents the Compassion and Manjushri the Wisdom.
Being not only the Buddha's nearest companions, but also the greatest protectors ('dharmapala') of his teachings, they all have both peaceful and wrathful manifestations.
The name "Vajrapani" can be translated as "holder of the thunderbolt", the thunderbolt being the vajra he holds in his right hand. The index finger from this right hand is extended into 'tarjani' position, a typical wrathful gesture. His left hand is in 'karana' position, to ward off evil.
Size; approximately 15,5 centimeters high and 4 centimeters wide. Weight; 103 grams.
Unique piece, only one available. And please know; the art of real, artisan bonecarving by hand is a dying craft in Himalayan area's, because of, among other reasons, unfair competition from machine-made, a dime-a-dozen, mass production in other Asian regions. Therefore real pieces such as this one are getting increasingly more rare and expensive.
