DIVINE ANCESTOR HATHA DYA / BHAIRAVA SACRED BEER JAR

Nepal Kathmandu 13th century 

QED laboratoire test: no.QED1250/FC-0701

Terra-cotta 

46 x 51 x 36 cm 

Provenance: Godwin collection, Seattle USA since 1980s 

This sacred jar of Bhairava represents the wrathful form of Lord Shiva, the National God in Nepal.  The pot was commissioned during the Malla period specially for annual celebration by the mass in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.  During the festival, the jar would be filled with sanctified beer.  The beverage spurted out from mouth of the Bhairava between his front teeth.  Both Hindu and Buddhist practitioners would receive the blessings by drinking the beer.  It represents an auspicious and significant offering to Lord Shiva.  This is an extremely rare and early extant example preserved in marvelous condition.  The Jar is made in one piece in terracotta and painted with deep and vivid color pigments.  This  Bhairava has three bulging and ferocious looking eyes.  His forehead has one peaceful looking Shiva head flanked with four smiling nagas (snakes) and four skulls.  There is no noticable damage nor repair, except the missing earrings.

(sold)