Citipati Statue – Lords of the Cemetery & Guardians of Impermanence

This exquisitely handcrafted Citipati statue masterfully embodies the profound Tibetan Buddhist teachings on impermanence and liberation. Featuring a stunning dual-tone finish of silver plating and deep chocolate oxidation, the iconic dancing skeletons—male (Lords of the Cemetery) and female—are captured in their ecstatic embrace, symbolizing the eternal dance of life and death.

The gleaming silver accents illuminate their skeletal forms, while the rich oxidized patina adds a haunting depth, reflecting their dual nature as wrathful yet compassionate Dharma protectors. This powerful sculpture serves as a memento mori—a sacred reminder of life's fleeting nature and the ultimate truth of enlightenment beyond death.

Key Features:

Material: Solid copper with selective silver plating & hand-applied oxidation
Size: Height 9" (24 cm), Width 9" (23 cm), Depth 4" (9 cm)
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.51 lbs) – Substantial and museum-quality
Exquisite Detailing: Dual-tone finish enhances the dynamic skeletal forms
Iconography: Dancing skeletons in eternal embrace, symbolizing the cycle of existence
Spiritual Significance: Reminder of impermanence, protectors of sacred teachings

The Sacred History & Symbolism of Citipati

Origins & Spiritual Role

The Citipati ("Lords of the Cemetery") are enlightened wrathful deities in Tibetan Buddhism, originally ascetic yogis who were so deep in meditation that they failed to notice their own deaths. Now revered as protectors of the Dharma, they symbolize:

The impermanence of all things
The illusion of ego and attachment
The ecstatic joy of spiritual liberation

Iconography & Sacred Dance

This statue depicts the Citipati in their characteristic dancing posture, representing:

The eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth (Samsara)
The transcendence of duality (male/female, life/death)
The fierce protection of Buddhist teachings
The bliss of enlightenment beyond physical form

The silver-plated bones shine against the dark oxidized background, creating a striking visual metaphor for awareness (light) arising from the darkness of ignorance.

Why Bring Citipati Home?

Powerful reminder of impermanence & spiritual urgency
Protects against obstacles on the path to enlightenment
Enhances meditation on death awareness (Marana Sati)
Sacred centerpiece for tantric practitioners & collectors
Unique conversation piece blending art and profound spirituality

Perfect For:

Vajrayana Buddhist practitioners
Meditators contemplating impermanence
Collectors of tantric Buddhist art
Those seeking a profound spiritual symbol

Invite the sacred dance of Citipati into your space—a mesmerizing embodiment of life's fleeting beauty and death's liberating wisdom.