A Large Gilt Bronze Portrait of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Losang Gyatso

TIBET, 17TH CENTURY

Details

A Large Gilt Bronze Portrait of the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Losang Gyatso
Tibet, 17th Century
Powerfully modeled seated on a rectangular base in the form of a double-layered cushion, his right hand raised in the gesture of teaching vitarka mudra, wearing loosely fitted robes and a cape draped across his shoulders engulfing his body in generous swirling folds, his face with a serene expression with large wide-open eyes, richly gilt overall
13 in. (35 cm.) high

Lot Essay

The Fifth Dalai Lama is one of the central figures of Tibetan history. He began the construction of Potala palace in 1645 and was a charismatic figurehead for both the Geluk and Nyingma orders. Although not inscribed, the bronze displays a distinct portrait likeness; compare a much smaller inscribed bronze in the Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, cf. M. Rhie and R. Thurman, Wisdom and Compassion, 1996, cat. no. 98.

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