Primordial Buddha (Vajradhara)
1700-1799
Scroll
Primordial Buddha (Vajradhara)
1700-1799
Physical Qualities
Gilt metal alloy and metal alloy, 15.6 cm. OH; 3 lbs.
Credit Line
Frank J. and Elizabeth L. Goodnow Collection
Object Number
1942.70.692
Primordial Buddha's name, Vajradhara, translates to "Bearer of the thunderbolt." He is the secret inner form of the Historical Buddha, Sakyamuni, and the originator and protector of Vajrayana Buddhism. Practiced in Tibet and Mongolia, Vajrayana Buddhism offers the possibility of attaining enlightenment in a single human lifetime through esoteric practices, using mantras, or sacred words or phrases; mudras, or sacred hand gestures; mandalas, or sacred diagrams; and vital energy including meditation and yoga.
The Baltimore Museum of Art by bequest to the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, 1942; Goodnow Collection, Baltimore; probably acquired by Elizabeth Goodnow in China, c. 1912-1913
[Asian Refresh]
Asian Gallery Rotations 2023
Asian Rotations 2024
Asian Rotations 2025
John C. Huntington and Dina Bangdel, "The Circle of Bliss Buddhist Meditational Art," Columbus: Columbus Musuem of Art, 2003, nos. 10-11, pp. 86-89.
"Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art," Christie's, Hong Kong, 12/1/2010, see lot 3064, a 16 3/4 in. high Figure of Amitayus, Kangxi Period, for a picture of the cache of small, rolled prayers in the interior cavity.
"Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art," Christie's, Hong Kong, 12/1/2010, see lot 3064, a 16 3/4 in. high Figure of Amitayus, Kangxi Period, for a picture of the cache of small, rolled prayers in the interior cavity.
Markings: Dedication plate: a largish double vajra with a plain circle at the center.
On View at the BMA
