Nepalese Figure of Tsimar, Dharma Protector

A mounted warrior, mid-gallop, with a small figure flat on its back beneath the horse.

This copper figure of Tsimar, a dharma protector, comes from Nepal. Figures like this were made for Himalayan Buddhist temples and household shrines, where monks and lay people called on dharma protectors, fierce guardians, to defend the teachings and those who follow them. Tsimar rides a charging horse against a tall wall of openwork flames, one arm flung high, the other gripping a lance. His broad belly and armor are closely patterned. A small prone figure lies on the plinth under the horse, and a lotus-petal base carries the whole commotion. Fifteen and a half inches high.

The flames do not appear to be slowing him.