Tibet, lamas and their hands (5)

Circa 1386, Tibet, Densatil, lama, Dorje Gyalpo Phagmo Drupa?, gilt bronze, Fig. 191 in Jean-Luc Estournel ‘s catalogue raisonné.

Seated on a cushion with his legs locked, this Tibetan teacher is ‘turning the wheel of dharma‘ with his hands. He wears monkish garb but no meditation cloak.

16th century, Tibet, lama, (parcel-gilt) silver, private collection, photo on HAR

This one has both hands in the meditation gesture to hold a manuscript. There is a meditation strap across his bare chest and a cloak covers his shoulders.

16th century, Central Tibet, lama, bronze with copper-inlaid strap and silver-inlaid eyes, private collection, Asian Ceramics and Works of Art lot 430, 10th May 2000, Christie’s, Amsterdam.

Probably made in a Tsang province workshop, this sculpture depicts a Tibetan teacher making the gesture of debate with his right hand.

16th century, Tibet, lama, bronze with copper inlay, private collection, Fine Chinese Art lot 185, 11th November 2010, Bonhams, London.

17th-18th century, Tibet, lama, bronze with silver inlay, private collection, Asian Ceramics and Works of Art lot 420, 24th November 2013, Bonhams, Hong Kong.

Two lamas making the ‘calling Earth to witness’ gesture with their right hand.