Vadas József (szerk.): Ars Decorativa 10. (Budapest, 1991)

Új szerzemények 1987-1989 - Hopp Ferenc Kelet-Ázsiai Művészeti Múzeum

bodice and the refinement of the embroidery in general indicates the Baluchi origin of the artisans who immigrated into Kutch many generations before and assimilated the Kutchi floral ornaments and pieces of mirror-glass into their conventional patterns of embroidery. On our piece, the tiny discs of mirror-glass set in the intersections of the web design of the bodice as well es the floral ornaments bordering the embroidered surfaces and decorating the hem show the intertwining of the two traditions and the development of the peculiarly Kutchi type of embroidery. The medallion composed of geometrical and floral motives and linked to the yoke-panel of the bodice just below the waist is also typical of Kutch. The dress had been turned up and worked on a piece of cloth before acquisition. (Zsuzsanna Renner ) 5. Shyamatara, the Green Saviour Gilded bronze, cast using lost wax process. Tibet or Nepal, 18th century. Height 17 cm. Inv. No. 88.33. (Bequeathed by Mr. Károly Csapek) A graceful female figure sits on a double lotos throne in lalitasana position, with an expressive harmonious face. The right leg rests on a finely shaped small lotos flower emerging from the throne. The right hand with the palm outward is in charity bestowing position (varada mudra); the left hand lifted up to the breast is in arguing position (vitarka mudrá). She is clothed in a thin veil thrown over the left shoulder which follows the contours of the body. On her head is a diadem with five gems; her jewels, the socalled bodhisattva-omamems (necklace of pearls, armlets, wristlets, anklets) emphasize according to the ritual of modelling the peaceful nature of the goddess. Beside her shoulder is a blue lotos (the left one is missing). The statue is otherwise undamaged. The Taras are perhaps the most revered deities of Lamaism as helping, guardian goddesses - the incarnations of boundless mercy. The Green Saviour is one of their most frequently occurring manifestations. The wife of Srong-btsan sgam-po (62064), the founder of the Tibetan state and one of the "kings of the law" who patronized Buddhism, was the daughter of the Nepalese king Amshuvarman and reputedly an incarnation of the Green Saviour. ( Béla Kelényi) 6. Acarya Vajrapani, the Vajra Holder Gilded bronze, cast using by lost wax process. Mongolia, 19th century. Height 15 cm. Inv. No. 88.23. (Bequest of Mr. Károly Csapek) A male figure in a standing, menacing position (stepping off to the right) is treading on two snakes with a frightening, irate mien, and with a third eye at the front. The right hand lifts a diamond sceptre (vajra symbol of force and power) ; the left hand in an arguing position holds a loop with a hook for catching demons on it and a sceptre hurling thunderbolts. The hair painted red stands on end, within it a half vajra is visible. His crown is adorned with five skulls; around his neck is a necklace of human heads, and the waist is covered by a tiger-skin. The statue represents the frightening aspect of Vajrapani bodhisattva, one of the most frequently invoked deities of the Vajrayana sect, being a Defender of the Law. He therefore appears with ornaments likely to frighten off beings of ill will. The statue is a long awaited addition to our highly valued Lamaist bronze collection : this statuette, in perfect condition, is our first one representing Vajrapani. ( Béla Kelényi)