Image title: Vajradaka (Tibet, 17th century)

This Bronze sculpture shows an image of Vajradaka, from the 17th/18th century origination from Tibet.—Materials used: Bronze.

Notes: The upturned face with gaping mouth identifies Vajradaka, an earth spirit who devours evil influences. Tibetans sometimes take medicine through his mouth.

Gallery information:

The Patan Museum is located on the Durbar square of Patan (Lalitpur/Lalitapura, Kathmandu, Nepal) which is associated Keshav Narayan Chowk (Keshavnarayan)—a form of Lord Vishnu. Being listed as a World Heritage Site, the whole of Durbar square is filled with exquisite temples, sculptures and other ancient structures, of which the ancient history history can be traced to the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. It is an important site for both Buddhism and Hinduism.