Tibet Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava) Thangka Pendant: A 4x5cm Miniature of Tantric Protection & Regong Art

Core Specifications

• Deity: Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava, "Conqueror of Death" – 12-faced, 24-armed wrathful Dharma Protector)
• Origin: Tibet (Regong thangka artisan lineage)
• Size: 4×5cm
• Pigments: 100% Natural Mineral Pigments (lapis lazuli, cinnabar, gold leaf)
• Case: Black-Gold Double-Sided Copper Case

1. Deity Culture: Yamantaka – The "Conqueror of Death" in Tibetan Tantra

• Form Symbolism: The 12 faces (3 tiers of 4) represent mastery over the 12 zodiac signs (astrological obstacles); 24 arms hold ritual tools (e.g., the vajra to shatter ignorance, the skull cup to transmute death anxiety) that align with tantric wisdom. His blue skin symbolizes the "transcendent void" that overcomes the fear of death.
• Spiritual Role: Yamantaka is invoked to conquer "inner death" (ego, attachment) and "outer death" (physical harm, karmic obstacles). For tantric practitioners, he embodies the courage to face life’s fears with wisdom—making this pendant a wearable reminder of resilience.
• Regong Art Distinction: This pendant’s vibrant, detailed rendering of Yamantaka’s 24 arms and 12 faces is a hallmark of Regong thangka craft (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), where every line carries ritual precision.

2. Craftsmanship: Natural Mineral Pigments – The Legacy of Regong Thangka Durability

• Sourcing & Processing: Pigments are harvested from Tibetan plateau mines (lapis lazuli for blue skin, cinnabar for red accents) and hand-ground to 5–10μm particles (finer than paper fibers) over 14 days. Gold leaf is applied with squirrel-hair brushes, a technique passed down 5+ generations.
• Longevity: The Tibet Museum’s 2025 conservation report confirms these pigments resist fading for 120+ years (vs. 5–10 years for synthetic dyes). This isn’t a temporary accessory—it’s an heirloom.
• Ritual Precision: Every detail (e.g., the 12 faces’ expressions, 24 arms’ tools) follows the Tantra Art Measurement Sutra—a 1,000-year-old text that ensures the deity’s form carries spiritual power.

3. Case Design: Black-Gold Double-Sided Copper Case – Function & Sacred Aesthetics

• Dual-Sided Utility: One side displays the Yamantaka thangka; the other holds a miniature tantric mantra scroll (included) inscribed with the Yamantaka Mantra—a Regong tradition that merges visual and auditory spiritual practice.
• Material Meaning: Blackened copper represents Yamantaka’s wrathful energy (protection), while gold inlay echoes the deity’s golden accents (wisdom). The case’s carved kalinga (scrollwork) symbolizes "boundless spiritual strength."
• Practical Durability: Copper’s corrosion resistance makes the pendant suitable for daily wear, even in humid climates—critical for a piece meant to be a constant companion.

4. Collectible Value: Why This Mini Yamantaka Is a High-Growth Asset

• Rarity: Only 12–18 of these pendants are made annually (artisans can’t rush the 24-arm/12-face detail work), with 80% sold to private collectors pre-release.
• Market Data: The 2025 Regong Thangka Market Report notes miniature Yamantaka pieces have a 37.2% annual price growth rate—outpacing larger thangkas (29.5%) due to their portability and tantric significance.
• Cultural Relevance: As Tibetan tantric art gains global recognition, Yamantaka (a symbol of overcoming fear) resonates with modern audiences—driving demand for authentic, lineage-made pieces.

5. Spiritual Significance: Wearing Yamantaka – More Than a "Protection Charm"

• Fear Transmutation: When facing stress or anxiety, glance at Yamantaka’s form—remind yourself that fear (like "death") is a mental construct to be overcome with wisdom.
• Mindful Reflection: The 24 arms encourage daily self-inquiry: Am I using my "tools" (skills, compassion) to overcome obstacles?
• Cultural Connection: Wearing it honors Regong artisans’ 1,000-year heritage—turning a piece of jewelry into a act of cultural preservation.