skulptur, figur, sculpture

Unknown artist

A Tibeto-Chinese gilt bronze figure of Yama Dharmaraja with the Lord of Death standing on a recumbent bull crushing a man (or woman ?) lying on his back, his head is that of a ferocious bull with bulging eyes, snarling mouth and flared nostrils. Period: 18th century. Yama Dharmaraja (Tibetan: shin je cho gyal) was the Lord of Death in ancient Indian mythology but was adopted into the Buddhist pantheon as a Dharma (learning) protector. This fearsome god (known as the Outer or External form) is therefore one of the major protectors of Buddhist practice who confronts outer obstacles and protects practitioners (Sangha) from misfortune. The bull upon which he stands is ravaging the body of ignorant life beneath him.