A Highly Important Gilded Stupa of Ushnishavijaya As in the Kadam-tradition this gilded stupa of Ushnishavijaya rests on a double lotus base, symbol of earth, with a thick beaded rim, rising to a stepped plinth supporting the bell-shaped dome, anda, a symbol of the element of water. The dome is adorned with clusters of elegant beaded garlands emanating from the mouth of small delicately formed heads of kirtimukhas, the garlands forming a lotus flower with eight petals. In a shallow niche within a trefoil arch, torana, similar to what is found on wooden book covers of the period, the Mother of all Buddhas, Ushnishavijaya, is resting, attended by two Bodhisattvas, Padmapani (with a lotus flower) on her right side and Vajrapani (with a vajra resting on a lotus flower) on her left. The goddess, with three heads and eight arms, is identified by her attributes: a crossed vajra, a bumpa, a bow and a small Buddha figure. On top of the dome is a square, ornate harmika crowned with flaming jewels. A tier of thirteen royal umbrellas, chatras, on top of each other like steps in a cosmic staircase and in a number corresponding to the thirteen Buddhist heavens, form the element of fire, and here represent the thirteen steps to enlightenment. At the top an impressive victory banner with a hanging of jewel chains adorned by a crescent and a disk, symbols of air and space, and inside with a lotus flower with eight petals. The upper surface of the banner with an engraved eight pointed starlike magic design similar to what is sometimes found on tantric protective charms. The stupa is crowned by a final, commonly interpreted as a shining bundu of enlightened consciousness, here however in the form of a bumpa containing the elixir of immortality, a symbol of Ushnishavijaya, venerated as goddess of long life. Gilded copper alloy. Traces of pigment. The base with original seal, an engraved copper plate, with a crossed vajra encircled by a lotus flower. Filled. Tibet, 15th century. Height: 29 cm. Diameter: 17.5 cm (base).