18th Century Qing Dynasty Chinese Tibetan Gilt Bronze Buddha Deity Figure of Mahakala. The deity, shown standing atop the prone figure of an fierce-headed deity on an oval lotus base, holds a horn and a skull cup in the primary hands, and a skull rosary in the raised upper right hand, to which is attached a ribbon held in the upper left hand. The deity wears jewelry, a cord hung with skulls, a tiger pelt, and a crown of skulls backed by his flame-like hair. Extensive trace of gilt remain on surface, with hints of red pigment on hair. The stories and iconography one of the Three Guardians arise primarily from the Mahayana sutras and are common to all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. They also viewed as wrathful manifestation of Bodhisattvas, who help the pupils attain supreme insight. They are incarnations of the powers which can bring about a breakthrough in meditation. The underside with incised quatrefoil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi. Dimensions: 13-3/4" H