Vajrabhairava in Tantric Union (Yab-Yum) with Vajravetali, gilt and polychromed bronze, Tibet (?), 19th century
The sculpture depicts Vajrabhajrava, or more specifically, his Tantric form. The deity has three heads with angry expressions, crowned with a crown of skulls, symbolizing the direct destruction of illusion. Inside the crown, flames burst forth, a fire of wisdom burning away ignorance. Emerging from them is the head of a gentle animal - it belongs to Vajrabhajrava himself (his higher aspect).
The figure has six arms, symbolizing the multifaceted activity of the enlightened mind, and holds ritual attributes. The outstretched wings are a rarer but significant feature, representing a transcendental aspect and the overcoming of samsaric limitations. Vajrabhairava stands in a dynamic pose on a lotus base, trampling a male and female figure. These figures symbolize ignorance (avidya), attachment, anger, ego, and the illusion of duality.
Zhang Heng seismograph model, stained bone, China, circa late 19th/early 20th century.
Brahma, marble, India, 19th (?) century.
Christ Crucified, wood, Spain (Pyrenees?), 12th-13th century.
The sculpture impresses with the pronounced rigidity of the body, typical of early Roman depictions. The calm yet poignant expression of Christ's face is emphasized by huge, forward-facing eyes set in deep eye sockets.
His gaze, however, is slightly lowered, emphasized by a prominent nose and large, spreading ears that frame his face. His hair falls symmetrically on his shoulders; a peculiar hairstyle draws attention - the hair, separated by a parting on top of the head, is arranged in rollers covered with densely diagonal cuts. Very similarly arranged hair, resembling braids, has the famous statue of Christ of Mig Aran, located in the church of Sant Miquèu de Vielha (Val d'Aran valley). The beard and mustache end in artificial, volute curls.
Gallo-Roman sculpture of the head of Eros (?), marble, 1st-3rd century A.D.
Irish (Celtic) cross, stone sculpture, Ireland, 19th century.
Rama, marble, India, 19th century.
A sculpture depicting Rama, one of the most important deities of Hinduism, considered the seventh avatar of Vishnu. The object was hand-carved in white marble in India, probably in the 19th century.
The figure is depicted standing, facing forward. The face has a gentle expression with a soft smile and slightly closed eyes. The head is crowned with a decorative crown, and long necklaces are visible on the chest.
The figure is dressed in a draped robe with clearly marked folds. On its back is a quiver with arrows, characteristic of Rama's depictions.
The hands of the sculpture are not preserved, originally in one of them the figure held a bow - a characteristic element of representations of this deity. Further about these cavities do not write that they are consistent.
Rama is the hero of the epic Ramayana and in the Hindu tradition symbolizes righteousness and fidelity to the principle of dharma. His images occupy an important place in Indian sacred art, although full-figure marble sculptures of this scale are less common.
The object is preserved in good condition, with clear legibility of form and detail.