.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This masterfully executed gilt copper alloy sculpture from the seventeenth century depicts Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso, famously known as the "Great Fifth" Dalai Lama. Rather than a posthumous commemorative piece, the sculpture’s specific lifelike features and formal posture represent an exceptionally rare artifact that was created during his lifetime and personally blessed by the master himself. This sculptural masterwork beautifully materializes his dual legacy as the supreme spiritual master of the Geluk school and the main architect of unified Tibetan political sovereignty.
The artwork presents a striking, personalized portrait of the Great Fifth, characterized by a shaven head, prominently wide ears, high cheekbones, and an expressive countenance that projects both serene meditation and resolute command. Resting elegantly across his lap, the figure cradles a sacred sutra text with his left hand. This detail highlights his unparalleled intellectual legacy as a prolific author whose compositions on philosophy, history, and poetry spanned over twenty-four volumes. He wears a monastic garments, decorated with intricately incised robes containing the saptaratna, or the Seven Precious Gems. These traditional symbols—representing the wheel, jewel, queen, minister, elephant, horse, and general—proclaim his dual position as a universal secular monarch and the ultimate spiritual leader of Central Tibet. Forming a powerful priest-patron alliance with the Mongol military commander Gushri Khan in 1637, he systematically brought regional competitors under his singular rule. This vast accumulation of power allowed him to establish the Ganden Phodrang government and commission architectural marvels, most notably the Potala Palace.
The figure sits in a posture of meditative repose upon a heavy, raised square cushion platform, which acts as a canvas for remarkably fine engraving covered in continuous scrolling lotus vines. Along with the similarity of facial features, the treatment of the drapery relates to two other figures of the Fifth Dalai Lama; one which is in the Pritzker Collection (HAR 58312) and the other which sold at Sotheby's, New York, 14 September 2016, lot 161.
The artwork presents a striking, personalized portrait of the Great Fifth, characterized by a shaven head, prominently wide ears, high cheekbones, and an expressive countenance that projects both serene meditation and resolute command. Resting elegantly across his lap, the figure cradles a sacred sutra text with his left hand. This detail highlights his unparalleled intellectual legacy as a prolific author whose compositions on philosophy, history, and poetry spanned over twenty-four volumes. He wears a monastic garments, decorated with intricately incised robes containing the saptaratna, or the Seven Precious Gems. These traditional symbols—representing the wheel, jewel, queen, minister, elephant, horse, and general—proclaim his dual position as a universal secular monarch and the ultimate spiritual leader of Central Tibet. Forming a powerful priest-patron alliance with the Mongol military commander Gushri Khan in 1637, he systematically brought regional competitors under his singular rule. This vast accumulation of power allowed him to establish the Ganden Phodrang government and commission architectural marvels, most notably the Potala Palace.
The figure sits in a posture of meditative repose upon a heavy, raised square cushion platform, which acts as a canvas for remarkably fine engraving covered in continuous scrolling lotus vines. Along with the similarity of facial features, the treatment of the drapery relates to two other figures of the Fifth Dalai Lama; one which is in the Pritzker Collection (HAR 58312) and the other which sold at Sotheby's, New York, 14 September 2016, lot 161.