A finely carved Mongolian wood & polychrome painted figure of Vajrakiliya, terminating into a Vajra & piecing a recumbent human figure laying on a lotus shaped base. Vajrakilaya is a wrathful form of Vajrasattva, the pure vajra nature of Enlightenment. In this imagery, the compassion of the Buddhas is expressed forcefully, to eradicate in a powerful way the entrenched ignorance and emotional afflictions which cause obstacles, interfering with auspicious circumstances and preventing the dawning of realization. Late 19th century. Provenance: Todd Barlin collection. 38 cm