Tantric Female Enlightened Being (Vajrayogini) Holding a Skull Cup
18th century
Medium
Silver, gilt silver, and gilt copper alloy
Dimensions
66.1 × 46.4 × 22.9 cm (26 × 18 1/4 × 9 in.)
Classification
sculpture
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
130670
Art Historical Context
This stunning 18th-century sculpture from the Arts of Asia collection at the Art Institute of Chicago depicts Vajrayogini, a revered tantric female enlightened being in Tibetan Buddhism. Standing nearly 66 cm tall, she is portrayed dynamically holding a skull cup (kapala), a potent symbol of transcending worldly attachments and ego through profound spiritual transformation. Crafted in silver, gilt silver, and gilt copper alloy, the figure gleams with luxurious metallic sheen, reflecting the opulence reserved for sacred Himalayan Buddhist art. Vajrayogini's form embodies the fierce yet compass...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...