A BRONZE SCULPTURE OF VAISHRAVANA
China, Qing dynasty, 19th century

The deity seated in the lalitasana position on the back of a lion on a base in the shape of a double lotus flower, wearing an elaborate armor and on the head a flashy diadem, in the left hand a mongoose, the right one originally holding the pole of a banner, apocryphal six characters Yongle mark on the upper side of the base.

30 cm high

Provenance: Italian private collection.
Vaishravana is the Guardian of the North and the king of the Yakshas, benevolent spirits. He is associated with Kubera and is revered as the god of wealth. He is usually depicted with a mongoose from which jewels and coins are scattered, and often carries the dhvaja banner, which symbolizes the victory of the Buddha over Mara's troops.