Nepalese Seated Figure of Vajrasattva & Shakti in Yab-Yum

Two crowned figures, one lotus throne, and an arm slipped easily across a shoulder.

This seated figure of Vajrasattva and Shakti in yab-yum comes from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and is contemporary. It is copper. In Tantric Buddhism the yab-yum pairing generally symbolizes the union of wisdom and compassion, and Nepalese metalworkers have cast such figures for centuries. Here the two sit side by side on a double lotus base. Vajrasattva holds a vajra and bell, while his consort carries a skull cup and a ritual knife. Both wear tall crowns, earrings and jewelry set with small colored stones. It is 6.25 inches high and 6 wide.

Small in scale, generous in meaning.