Tibetan Vajrakilaya (Phurba Vajra), Monumental Gilt Bronze Winged Deity Sculpture, Vajrayana Ritual Image (Antique, 100+ Years)

Tibetan Vajrakilaya (Phurba Vajra)

This monumental gilt-bronze sculpture depicts Vajrakilaya (Phurba Vajra), a fierce yidam deity of Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, rendered here with fully extended wings and commanding vertical presence. The figure stands upon a lotus base, rising in layered authority that signals ritual potency rather than decorative intent.

Vajrakilaya is shown in an active, wrathful stance, the body elongated and energized, expressing the deity’s function as a remover of obstacles and subjugator of destructive forces. The wings expand the figure’s visual field, transforming the sculpture from a frontal icon into a spatial force that commands its surroundings.

The surface treatment reveals careful metal casting followed by gilding, with dense iconographic detailing across the torso, arms, and ritual implements. Despite the complexity, the composition remains disciplined, with a strong vertical axis anchoring the figure’s intensity. This balance between ferocity and structure is characteristic of high-quality Tibetan ritual sculpture.

Images of Vajrakilaya of this scale were intended for temple halls or advanced ritual settings, not domestic altars. The size and weight indicate institutional or monastic use, where such an image would serve as a focal point for extended Vajrayana practice cycles.

The seller identifies this work as Tibetan esoteric Buddhist art. While precise dating requires in-hand examination, the iconography, scale, and execution are consistent with Himalayan Vajrayana traditions. The sculpture should be understood as a powerful ritual image preserved through time, valued for presence, symbolism, and material gravity.

Condition is consistent with an antique gilt-bronze ritual sculpture. Surface wear, patina, and localized loss to gilding reflect age and ritual handling rather than modern damage. No modern restoration is assumed without professional inspection.

Key Facts

• Object type: Monumental gilt-bronze Vajrayana sculpture
• Material: Cast bronze with gilding
• Scale: Monumental, temple-grade
• Period: Tibetan Vajrayana tradition (antique; 100+ years)
• Customs: HS Code 9706.00 | Country of Origin: Tibet

Cargo Shipping & Handling Notice

Due to the final packaged weight and/or dimensional requirements of this piece, standard parcel services such as Japan Post EMS, DHL, FedEx, or UPS are not applicable. This item will be shipped via cargo or freight-based shipping methods.

Cargo shipments require additional preparation time to ensure proper handling, which may include custom crating, reinforced packing, coordination with domestic logistics providers, and scheduling with international freight consolidators and export brokers. As a result, estimated delivery timelines typically range from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on routing, carrier availability, and customs clearance procedures in the destination country.

Please note that actual shipping costs may differ from automated shipping calculator estimates. By default, a portion of the expected shipping cost may be reflected in the listing price. Any difference or discrepancy will be quoted separately once destination, delivery method, and handling requirements are confirmed.

We kindly ask that collectors contact us prior to purchase to request an exact, customized shipping quotation for their destination. This ensures full transparency and allows us to arrange the most appropriate, secure, and efficient shipping solution for this piece.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we take the necessary care to deliver this work safely.

Shipping & Logistics (CARGO ONLY)

• EMS / Parcel: Not possible (size & weight exceed limits)
• Estimated object weight: ~90–120 kg
• Crated shipping weight: ~180–220 kg

Sea Freight (Recommended): ¥360,000–¥720,000 JPY, 6–10 weeks.

Air Freight: ¥760,000–¥1,420,000 JPY, 7–14 days.

Confidence & Verification Notes

Exact dating and workshop attribution should be treated as probable without in-hand metallurgical and iconographic examination. This sculpture is best cataloged as a monumental Tibetan Vajrakilaya gilt-bronze ritual image.

Explore the Collection

To browse related sacred works and Buddhist articles curated under the same standards, explore our Buddhist Statues & Sacred Art collection.

Authenticity & Stewardship

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Material, carving, and surface-study comparison
• Iconographic and stylistic verification
• Condition and stability review (surface integrity)
• Construction assessment and handling-risk evaluation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

A Note on Stewardship and Collecting

At Japonista, we approach Buddhist statues, sacred images, and ritual objects not merely as collectibles, but as cultural and spiritual artifacts deserving of respect, understanding, and careful presentation. Every piece we offer is thoughtfully examined, researched, and curated with sensitivity to its origin, meaning, and historical role.

Our role is not only to offer access to rare and meaningful objects, but to serve as responsible custodians—connecting the right works with collectors who value depth, intention, and authenticity.

Inquiries, Availability, and Private Consideration

Some sacred works may allow room for discussion, while others are held firmly due to rarity, condition, or cultural importance. All inquiries are reviewed personally and discreetly, and we welcome thoughtful questions or expressions of interest.

If you are exploring a particular theme, deity, lineage, or period—or seeking guidance in building a focused collection—our concierge team is always available to assist with quiet expertise and care.

Concierge Support & Collector Guidance

Japonista Concierge™ provides personalized assistance for collectors seeking deeper understanding, thoughtful acquisition, or long-term curation strategies. Whether your interest is devotional, scholarly, or aesthetic, we are here to help guide your journey with clarity and respect.

For select high-value or historically significant works, private reservation or structured payment arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to discuss eligibility and discreet options.

Collector support: If you’re building a cross-Asia Buddhism timeline, we can recommend complementary pieces and reading paths inside the library pages above.

Before Proceeding

We kindly encourage collectors to review our shop policies and house guidelines, available through the links in our website footer, which outline shipping, handling, and conditions specific to vintage, sacred, and collectible works.

A Closing Note

Thank you for exploring Japonista’s collection of Buddhist statues, sacred art, and spiritual artifacts. We are honored to share these meaningful works and to help place them where they may continue to be appreciated, studied, and respected.

If you have questions or wish to explore related works, please feel free to contact Japonista Concierge™ at any time.

Curatorial note: Large gilt-bronze ritual images require professional crating, vibration control, and stable environmental conditions.