Artwork Page for Virupa

Details / Information for Virupa

Virupa

early 1400s

China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Yongle reign

(1403-1424)
Medium
Gilt bronze with silver, stones, and pigment
Measurements
Overall: 43.6 cm (17 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mary B. Lee, C. Bingham Blossom, Dudley S. Blossom III, Laurel B. Kovacik, and Elizabeth B. Blossom, in memory of Elizabeth B. Blossom 1972.96
Public Domain
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Location
237 Himalayan
Print
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Did You Know?

Virupa's clothing and jewelry are embellished with silver and stones, while pigments enhance his hair and eyes.

Description

Virupa is one of the great teachers in the history of tantric Buddhism. His posture references his ability to stop the sun; as an enlightened being, he can control phenomena of nature. As a tantric practitioner, he overturns ordinary assumptions about proper behavior, so he overeats, drinks large quantities of liquor, and waits for the king to pay his bill at the tavern.

At the edge of the lotus pedestal is an inscription identifying the image as having been made in the imperial kilns of the third emperor of the Ming dynasty in China as a gift to a Tibetan monastic leader. While closely linked to Tibetan styles, the luxurious detailing, special gilding process, and the casting of the ornaments onto the body without use of inlay are specifically Chinese characteristics.
A gilt bronze and silver sculpture, marked by dark surface patches, depicts the mahasiddha Virupa on a layered petal base. He has a stocky build and protruding belly, looking up with bulging eyes and an open mouth. His right knee is raised and left leg tucked. His right arm points upward while his left hand holds a bowl. Beaded jewelry and floral bands, inset with dark stones, adorn his body.

Virupa

early 1400s

China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Yongle reign (1403-1424)

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