The Esoteric Buddhist Goddess Karmavajri
Unknown Artist
11th Century
Medium
Silver inlaid with copper and gold
Dimensions
H. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm); W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Sculpture
Culture
Kashmir style in Western Tibet
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Amy and Robert Poster, 2022
Accession Number
2022.363
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite *The Esoteric Buddhist Goddess Karmavajri a masterful 11th-century sculpture from the Kashmir style flourishing in Western Tibet. This silver figure, standing just 4¼ inches tall, embodies the yet enlightened energy of Karmavajri, a tantric revered in Vajrayana Buddhism for her role in esoteric rituals symbolizing the transformative power of karma and wisdom. Crafted during a pivotal era when Kashmiri artistic influences—known for their fluid forms and intricate details—mingled with Tibetan spiritual traditions, it reflects the cultural crossroads of the Himalayan region. ...