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Naro Dakini
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Naro Dakini
CHINA; 11th century; Copper alloy; H: 15.5 cm; National Museum of China, Beijing
Naro Dakini is a deity in Vajrayana Buddhism as visualized by the Indian scholar Naropa. The figure is depicted with a third eye set vertically on the forehead. The body is adorned with large earrings, jewelry, and a garland of heads. The left hand raises a skull cup from which the figure drinks while the right hand brandishes a flaying knife. The figure stands in the warrior stance while trampling on demons. A hollow mandorla rimmed with flames is behind the figure. A dharani in Sanskrit is visible along the sides of the pedestal. The sculpture may be Indian or was cast in Tibet with the help of an Indian artisan. |
