Tantric

One of the three major forms of Buddhism, Vajrayana (the Vehicle of the Thunderbolt), also called Tantric or Esoteric Buddhism and most closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism developed about 500–600 C.E. in India. A syncretic religion, it is an outgrowth of Mahayana Buddhism with origins in India. Ancient Indian Hindu and Vedic magical rituals and teachings were merged with Mahayana practices, and the integrated belief system was transported along the Silk Road linking India to Tibet and China beginning in the 5th century. Vajrayana practices included incantations, mantras, chants, esoteric rituals, many new deities, texts, rites and concepts introduced by Tantric masters. In the 8th century, important Tibetan masters and monks began to visit China and others continued to teach Vajrayana Buddhist principles thereafter whenever they were invited by the Chinese Emperor. A few VA pieces reflect these syncretic influences.

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  • Antique Guanyin Held Up by Demons, China (16208VRKE) $5800

    $5,800.00
    H: 45″ W: 17.75″  D: 11.5″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This outstanding Guanyin wood carving is an extremely rare image and displays a wonderful earthy blend of Mahayana and Tantric (Tibetan) Buddhism and spiritual and folk traditions that resonated with provincial populations. She sits on a lotus above a hexagonal throne right raised in abhaya mudra, lobed crown is centered with the Amitabha Buddha inside an aureole. The four agonized creatures struggling to hold the calm Guanyin on their shoulders is a unique Tantric visual representation of the triumph of Buddhism over ignorance. Probably placed in a community shrine or Guanyin temple, the rear is unpainted as it was displayed high against a wall and foreshortened to be viewed from below. With its admonitions about greed, aversion and ignorance it is a great metaphor for our times. 

     

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  • Antique Guanyin, Dhyani Buddhas in Crown, China (16123BLEM) $4350

    $4,350.00
    H: 27.5″  W: 13.5″  D: 10.25″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This antique carving is a magnificent example of provincial Buddhist statues made by local artisans.This serene exquisitely carved Guanyin sits on a  detached pedestal base in meditation. Made to be seen in the round, she wears a traditional three part garment with delicate incised leaves and leaf motifs on the front, back, and sleeves.  The gentle, sweet face is soft and set in a peaceful and calming half smile. Her high pointed crown depicts the Five Tantric Dhyani Buddhas, which we have rarely seen in Guanyin provincial images. .

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  • Antique Portable Monk’s Prayer/StudyTable, Tibetan (7020HOL) $595

    $595.00
    Ht: 13.875”  W: 26.25”  D: 13.125”  | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    One of a pair of antique low tables on 3 folding bamboo-shaped leg supports, this traveling prayer/study table was designed for Tibetan monks or nomadic families to lay out sutras (scriptures), scrolls, books and other study materials and by Tibetan devotees as a personal altar/prayer table. It is simply decorated with painted florals on vines and a fruit offering bowl symbolizing flowering of enlightenment and opening of the heart.

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  • Rare Antique Three-Faced Tantric Bodhisattva, China (16200LBEM) $5100

    $5,100.00
    H: 29.5″  W:14″  D: 6.5″ | FOR SHIPPING INFORMATION CONTACT US AT 213-568-3030

    This rare Chinese carving is probably Chun-ti P’u-sa, a tantric female deity called the Bodhisattva of Light, worshipped by Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhists as a merciful Bodhisattva. In tantric style she has a head with three faces, multiple arms and six elegant hands and wears an elegant lobed crown centered by Amitabha, as does Guanyin. Her robe extends to her bare feet as she stands on a simple raised pedestal. This is an extremely rare and important piece ans is as lovely as it is spiritual.

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