The Dharmapala Vajrabhairava
Tibet, 18th century
Gilt bronze
13 3/8 in. (33.973 cm)
Gift of the Alconda-Owsley Foundation to honor Dr. Anne R. Bromberg, 1998.87

Surrounded by flames and skulls, the Himalayan Buddhist god Vajrabhairava and his female counterpart (shakti) embrace in an ecstatic union that obliterates earthly dualities and achieves enlightenment. They trample underfoot the Hindu god of death. Like the Hindu god Shiva, Vajrabhairava triumphs over death.