Hayagriva group in Yab-Yum. Tibet, 18th-19th centuries

Hayagriva group in Yab-Yum. Tibet, 18th-19th centuries.
Bronze.
The patina shows a combination of dark brown and warm copper tones, consistent with its age and long ceremonial use.
Measurements: 36 x 35 x 19 cm.

This impressive sculpture represents the deity Hayagriva in intimate union with his consort, both in dynamic posture on a lotus throne over two recumbent figures that symbolize their attendants. Two attendant deities, each wielding ritual weapons, flank the central couple in animated postures. The scale, complex iconography and sculptural energy point to this being an important 18th-19th century Tibetan ritual bronze.

The central figure of Hayagriva is shown with fierce expression, wild eyes and exposed fangs. Multiple arms extend around him, each holding angry attributes such as the karttrika, vajra, kapala and lasso. His consort clings to him in close embrace, reinforcing the union of wisdom and method, fundamental to the highest tantric practices. The broad pedestal, with its layered lotus petals and incised scroll decoration, is characteristic of Tibetan bronzes produced in workshops influenced by the sculptural styles of central Tibet and the late Qing dynasty. Traces of gilding or fire-gilding highlights remain on the jewelry and edges of the robes, indicating that the sculpture originally featured contrasting surfaces to intensify its ritual presence.