Tibet, Marpa Chokyi Lodro (6)

16th century, Tibet, Marpa Chokyi Lodro, gilt metal (copper alloy with pigments and turquoise inlay), private collection, photo on HAR

Images of this Tibetan teacher and translator, founder of the Kagyu school, often show him seated on one or two cushions, his hands placed over his lap, his long matted hair combed backward. Being a layman, he always wears a long-sleeve coat and usually has a meditation cloak over it, as on this sculpture that depicts a youthful Marpa frowning, adorned with large earrings and a bulky necklace, a few strands of hair falling over his shoulders.

Undated, Tibet, Marpa with attendants, material and size not given, photo by Dudul Dorjay, 2011, virginia.edu, at the Drowolung monastery (Tibet) (see notes on Drowolung monastery ).

Undated, Tibet, Marpa’s throne, material and size not given, photo by Dudul Dorjay, 2011, on virginia.edu, at the Drowolung monastery (Tibet).