MONGOLIA, ZANABAZAR STYLE, 17TH-18TH CENTURY

Jetsun Lobzang Tenpai Gyaltsen (1635-1723), commonly known as 'Zanabazar', was an important Mongolian religious figure and personal guru to the Kangxi Emperor (r. 1662-1722). The son of Khalkha Tushyetü Khan, leader of the Khalkha Mongols, Zanabazar was at an early age recognized by both the Panchen Lama and Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the Tibetan lama, Taranatha (1575-1634), and proclaimed the First Jetsundamba, an honorific title. He traveled to Tibet to continue his religious instruction under the powerful Gelukpa lamas before returning to Mongolia in 1651, bringing fifty sculptors and painters with him in an attempt to establish the Geluk order amongst the Mongols. Rather than settle at one established monastery, his portable temples traveled from one örgöö (traveling place) to another, in what became known as the Da Khuree (Great Circle).
During his time as religious leader of the Khalkha Mongols, Zanabazar oversaw a proliferation of Buddhist art in the region. He is especially known for his visualization and design of gilt bronze sculpture, subsequently carried out by master Nepalese bronze casters, which are widely recognized as some of the finest Buddhist gilt-bronze sculpture created.
Ratnasambhava appears here in a naturalistic form, with defined facial features, hands and feet. His well-proportioned physiognomy and relaxed musculature are the product of a sophisticated atelier, well versed in the Zanabazar style. The round base and large, leaf-like lotus petals are less ubiquitous, but clear signs of its Mongolian origin.