Materials:
Silver-plated copper
Coral
Turquoise

Dimensions & Weight:
Height: 17.5 inches
Width: 15.5 inches
Weight: 1.65 kilograms

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:
This unique silver-plated, repousse Tibetan wall calendar has a central figure of Vajrapani, surrounded by twelve animals of the Tibetan zodiac. The edge is detailed with alternating inlay of coral and turquoise.

Repousse is a technique by which the artist delicately hammers the reverse side of metal to create ornate patterns in relief.

Vajrapani is one of the earliest-appearing bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of Gautama Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha’s power. Vajrapani’s expression is wrathful, and his outstretched right hand brandishes a vajra, “symbolizing analytical knowledge that disintegrates the grasping of consciousness.” In most depictions, he wears a five-pointed bodhisattva crown to depict the power of the five Dhyani Buddhas (the fully awakened state of the Buddha).

On the popular level, Vajrapani is the bodhisattva who represents the power of all the buddhas just as Avalokitesvara represents their great compassion, and Manjushri their wisdom. He is called the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries who upholds truth even in adversities of darkness and ignorance.

Surrounding Vajrapani are the twelve animals representing the twelve months of the Tibetan calendar. In order: hare, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, boar, rat, ox, and tiger.