Treasures from Mongolia: Buddhist Sculpture from the School of Zanabazar, Rossi & Rossi at Barbara Mathes Gallery, New York (27 Mar–4 Apr 2004)

Treasures from Mongolia: Buddhist Sculpture from the School of Zanabazar, (London: Rossi & Rossi, March 2004), no.19

Sitasamvara or White Samvara is a benevolant form of the popular tutelary divinity. He is shown here embracing his consort Vajravarahi. They are joined in mystical union, symbolising the merging of wisdom and compassion - the essence of enlightenment. Sitasamvara is seated on a double lotus pedestal, his petite consort sitting in his lap. He holds two jars with the elixir of immortality in his hands; she holds two skull cups. Both deities are beautifully crowned, coiffed and bejewelled. Traces of paint remain on their hair and face, highlighting the full lips and tilted eyes and eyelids gently curving in a shallow bow shape.

The sculpture has features that align it with a narrow period of bronze sculptural production in Mongolia. This includes the rich colour of the gilding, the well-proportioned figures, as well as the articulation of the petals on the lotus base.

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