Agni

18th century, Tibet or China, Agni, gilt bronze, 16 cm, private collection, Asian Art lot 1156, 30th November 2023, Sotheby’s

In Buddhist art Agni, the Hindu God of Fire, is one of the retinue figures appearing in the Medicine Buddha mandala (comprising 51 deities, with Bhaisajyaguru and Prajnaparamita at the centre). He has the appearance of an old man with a beard, rides a goat, and holds a pot of fire. On paintings he also appears as one of the Eight Gods of the Cemetery and the Ten Gods of the Directions (see more on HAR)

11th century, India, Agni, Hindu and Buddhist lineage, metal with paint, private collection, photo on Himalayan Art Resources

This one is surrounded by flames and has four arms.

(See also two magnificent paintings:  on HAR and also on HAR)

17th century, China or Tibet, Agni, gilt bronze, 8 cm, private collection, photo on Hardt

In the Tibetan Buddhism section on wisdomlib we can read ‘Agni is described in the Nispannayogavali as follows: In the Agni corner there is Agni riding on a goat. He is red in colour and holds in his two hands the sruva (ladle) and the kamandalu (water bowl)’. This brings to mind the famous sculpture of Agni at the Metropolitan Museum of Art   , which depicts an old bearded man holding a water pot in his left hand.

8th-9th century, North(ern) India, Agni, Post-Gupta, pink sandstone, 25,2 cm, private collection, auction 1101 lot 9, 8th December 2017, Lempertz

This four-armed figure also holds a pot and a ladle. His lower right hand makes the fear-allaying gesture.