TIBET, 17TH-18TH CENTURY

Details

A SMALL GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF THE FIFTH DALAI LAMA, NGAWANG LOSANG GYATSO
TIBET, 17TH-18TH CENTURY
The finely cast figure is shown seated on a thick square cushion with his right hand held in vitarkamudra and his left hand holding manuscripts resting in his lap. He wears a heavily pleated cape over voluminous patchwork robes. His rounded face has an intense gaze, and his hair, eyes and mouth are highlighted in black and reg pigments. The base is incised with a vajra.
4 3/8 in. (11.2 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired in Germany before 1989.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Kate Hunt Director, Head of Department

khunt@christies.com +44 (0) 20 7752 3389

Lot Essay

The Great Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Losang Gyatso (1617-82), is one of the most remarkable characters in Tibetan history. He was a capable statesman, author of numerous books, and an accomplished yogic practitioner. Although trained by Gelugpa clerics, he had a strong affinity for teachings of the Nyingmapa lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

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