A SILVER- AND COPPER-INLAID BRONZE FIGURE OF PADMASAMBHAVA

TIBET, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

Details

A SILVER- AND COPPER-INLAID BRONZE FIGURE OF PADMASAMBHAVA
TIBET, 16TH/17TH CENTURY
Seated over a double lotus base with beaded rims and a lengthy inscription, holding a skullcup and vajra, wearing incised voluminous robes, the face with silver- and copper-inlaid eyes centered by an urna and flanked by large earrings, topped by a diadem with the sun and crescent moon at front
8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm.) high

Provenance

The Sporer Collection, New Jersey, acquired between 1962 and 1985

Literature

Himalayan Art Resource (himalayanart.org), item no. 24038

Lot Essay

Padmasambhava is considered one of the principal early teachers to bring Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. He is depicted in numerous forms representing the outer, inner and secret aspects of his spiritual being. He is also known by various names, which generally follow the chronology of his life. One of the most important figures to interact with Padmasambhava was his principle Tibetan companion Yeshe Tsogyal, who is considered a manifestation of Saraswati.

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