TIBET, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

Details

A Gilt Bronze Figure of a Karmapa
Tibet, 16th/17th Century
Very finely cast seated on a rectangular cushion incised with diaper patterns centered by flowerheads and wearing flowing patchwork robes incised with scrollwork and a peaked hat with visvavajra at center, his left hand holding a vase; the base sealed, gilt and incised at center with a visvavajra surrounded by the Astamangala interspersed within scrollwork; incised on reverse with an honorific bjre sha'ar la nama mangalam
5 in. (12.6 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired by the present owner in the 1960's

Lot Essay

The rectangular base, as opposed to a lotus base, suggests that the sculpture was likely made during the monk's lifetime. The posture however, does not fit the iconographic conventions to a specific Karmapa. Other depictions of Karmapas are illustrated in Portraits of the Masters: Bronze Sculptures of Tibetan Buddhist Lineages, D. Dinwiddie (ed.), 2003, pp. 165-172, cat. nos. 30-33. The gilt figures have a similar quality of incised line and manner of drapery. The present sculpture may be a depiction of Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa (1555-1603). See Portraits, p. 170, cat. no. 32, which shows the 9th Karmapa also holding a longevity vase, though his right hand is performing vitarka mudra.

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