107. A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF VAJRASATTVA Nepal, circa 14th/15th century Himalayan Art Resources item no. 2869 10.8 cm (4 1/4 in.) high Provenance: Property from a European Family Collection This small figure shows Vajrasattva in its benevolent form, as a fully perfected bodhisattva able to assist in liberating all sentient beings from the cycle of rebirth and death. Vajrasattva has the unique power to cleanse any sentient beings of negative karma and transgressions of Buddhist vows. The bell in his left hand symbolizes the female aspect of wisdom and the vajra in his right hand the male qualities of skillful means and compassion. Together, these aspects indicate Vajrasattva's fully enlightened status. With his graceful posture, muscular upper body, cinched waist, and simple yet refined ornamentation reveal the sculptural tradition established by the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley in the 14th century.