A FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF YAMA DHARMARAJA18th century Cast in two parts, the buffalo-headed deity depicted astride his bull mount, with bulging eyes, bared fangs, and flaming hair, clad in heavy jewellery and garlands of heads, the bull also decorated with beaded jewellery, atop a further figure lying prostrate. 15.5cm (6 1/8in) high. (2). 十八世紀 銅鎏金閻魔護法像 According to the Vajrabhairava Tantra, Manjushri took the form of Yama Dharmaraja to subdue Death ('Yama'), the personification of endless suffering through the cycle of death and rebirth. As this tantra is widely practiced in Tibetan Buddhism, Yama Dharmaraja can be found as an important wisdom deity in all traditions including the Sakya, Kagyu, and Gelug schools. He holds special significance for the Gelugpa, who regard him, alongside Shadbhuja Mahakala and Vaishravana, as one of the order's three principal protectors. See a related figure of Yama Dharmaraja illustrated by U.von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes , Hong Kong, 1981, pp.550-551, no.157E. A similar gilt copper alloy figure of Yama Dharmaraja, 18th century, was sold at Hong Kong, 7 October 2019, lot 941.