Tibet, Padmasambhava (33)

15th century, Tibet, Tantric Manifestation of Padmasambhava (?), gilt copper, 20,8 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 1046 pl. 263A , Potala Collection, Bla ma lha khang inventory nº 833, Lhasa (Tibet).

Clad in a bone apron and adorned with bone jewellery, this intriguing male figure stands with one foot on the hide of a hoofed animal placed on the lotus base. He has a skull cup in his right hand and appears to have held a ritual staff in the other – two of Padmasambhava’s attributes.

16th-17th century, Tibet, Padmasambhava, gilt copper, 25,7 cm, photo as before, p. 1079 pl. 279B, at the gTsug lha khang in the sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery (Tibet).

The standard form is seated and usually holds a vajra sceptre pointing to his heart, a skull cup containing nectar, gems and a long-life vase, and has a ritual staff propped against his left arm. His lotus hat is normally decorated with a sun disc and crescent moon symbol at the front and one or three vulture feathers on a lotus at the top. On this image, the sun and moon are used as a finial. He wears felt boots and sumptuous silk lay garments (that cover both arms).

16th century, Tibet, Padmasambhava, gilt copper alloy with cold gold and paint, 13 cm, private collection, Asian Art A209AS lot 107, 18th June 2024, Koller

16th century, Tibet, Padmasambhava, copper alloy with silver and copper inlay, 16 cm, private collection, Arts d’Asie lot 17, 14th June 2024, Sotheby’s (Paris).

18th-19th century, Tibet, Padmasambhava with two consort figures, bronze, 11,7 cm, private collection, Asian Art Online Only lot 726, 3rd June 2024, Nagel

Padmasambhava/Guru Rinpoche depicted with two of his consorts: Mandarava, a princess from Himachal Pradesh, and Yeshe Tsogyal, a princess from Tibet. They each hold a skull cup in one hand and make the fear-allaying gesture with the other.

Tibet, Buddha on Throne (7)

13th century, Tibet, Buddha Shakyamuni, brass with copper inlay, 11,7 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 1184 pl. 319A, sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery, personal custody of the abbot (Tibet).

13th century, Tibet, Buddha Shakyamuni, brass with copper inlay, 19,2 cm, photo as before, p. 1185 pl. 319C , at the Palkhor Chode monastic complex in Gyantse (Tibet).

Circa 1300, Tibet, Buddha Shakyamuni, brass with copper inlay, 20 cm, photo as before, p. 1184 pl. 319B, Potala Collection, Bla ma lha khang inventory nº 1428, Lhasa (Tibet).

Tibet, famous lamas (40)

Undated (15th century?), Tibet, (painted clay or wood?), Khenchen Jangchug Pelzango, Sakya Sribhadra, Jamyang Rinchen Gyaltsen, with recently replaced hands, photo by Dudul Dorjay, 2011 on virginia.edu, in the shrine dedicated to the masters of the Second Diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet, at the Pelkhor Chode monastic complex in Gyantse (Tibet).

From left to right, (Zulpu) Khenchen Jangchub Pelzangpo, a 14th century Tibetan master, Sakya Shribhadra, a 12th century Kashmiri scholar (see both on Treasury of Lives ) whose left hand originally displayed the gesture of debate (vitarka mudra), Jamyang Rinchen Gyaltsen, a 13th century Sakya master (see on wikipedia).

Undated (15th century?), Tibet, Choki Rinchen, Gyalse Thokme, Gangchen Khepe Wangpo Kungapel, (painted clay or wood?), photo by Dudul Dorjay, 2011 on virginia.edu, Sempa Shrine in the Gyantse Kumbum Stupa, at the Pelkhor Chode monastic complex in Gyantse (Tibet).

Circa 16th-17th century, Tibet, Dpal ldan tshul khrims (Palden Tsultrim), brass, 16,8 cm, object nº AK-MAK-1510 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (The Netherlands).

18th century, Tibet, Dpal ldan tshul khrims (Palden Sultrim), bronze, 19 cm, object nº AK-MAK-307 at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (The Netherlands).

We saw a group of six Sakya Lamdre lineage masters including this lama on Bonhams . These two sculptures depict him with his right hand in the gesture of debate and the left hand in meditation, with a vase of longevity in the second case (possibly missing from the first one).

16th century, Tibet, probably Rin chen phun tshogs, gilt copper with cold gold and pigment, 27,5 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 1075 pl. 277C, at the Gser khang lha khang, Bri gung mthil (Drigung Thil) monastery (Tibet).

Rinchen Phuntsog was an important Drikung/Drigung teacher who lived during the 16th century (see drikung.org). He was a layman, hence the long-sleeve outer garment tied with a belt (note the elegant knot).

18th century, Tibet, sMin gling gter chen ‘Gyur med rdo rje (Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje), gilt copper, 10 cm, photo as before, p. 1082 pl. 281A, at the sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery (Tibet).

The author explains that according to an inscription at the back of the base, the founder of the Mindroling monastery is shown here at the age of 67. He holds a  long-life vase in his left hand.

Tibet, The Crowned Buddha (15)

13th-14th century, Tibet, Crowned Buddha Shakyamuni, brass, 11,6 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 1156 pl. 305A, at the gTsug lha khang in the sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery (Tibet).

Unlike the five direction buddhas in their sambhogakaya form, the crowned Buddha always wears a monastic garment, and Tibetan portable sculptures of him rarely include any jewellery.

Circa 14th century, Tibet, Crowned Buddha Shakyamuni, brass, 26,4 cm, photo as before, p. 1155 pl. 304C , at the Palkhor Chode monastic complex in Gyantse (Tibet).

15th century, Tibet, The Crowned Buddha, gilt bronze, 10,7 cm, private collection, Auction 814 China I, lot 138, 12th June 2023,  Nagel

16th-17th century, East(ern) Tibet, Crowned Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness, 27,3 cm, inventory nº AS42-1979 at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne (Australia).

Tibet, famous lamas (39)

16th-17th century, Tibet, Shel grong Pan chen Blo gros chos kyi khyu mchog, founder of the gDung phud chos ‘khor, gilt copper, 38 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 1080 pl. 280A, at the gDung phud chos ‘khor (Sakya monastery), lower Tib chu valley (Tibet).

Dressed in monastic garments with an embroidered border, the lama is seated with his legs locked and his hands ‘turning the wheel of dharma‘. On the backrest of his throne we can see elephants supporting sharabhas, makaras, and a garuda at the top holding a naga in its beak and claws.

Circa 16th century, Tibet, mKhas grub dGe legs dpal bzang po, gilt copper, 23,8 cm, photo as before, p. 1081 pl. 280B , at the Palkor Chode monastic complex in Gyantse (Tibet).

Identified by an inscription on the foot of the lotus base, Kedrup Geleg Pal Zangpo (see biographical notes on HAR ) is making the same hand gesture and holding the stem of lotuses that support a vajra sceptre to his right and a vajra bell to his left.

Circa 1750, Tibet, Grwa pa mNong shes, gilt copper, 15,2 cm, photo as before, p. 966 pl. 233A, at the sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery (Tibet).

Drapa Ngonshe, founder of the Drathang monastery, has a manuscript in his left hand. See biographical notes on Treasury of Lives

Circa 1750 AD, Tibet, Klu sding rin chen mi ‘gyur rgyal tshan, 37th abbot of the Ngor monastery, gilt copper, 18,2 cm, photo as before, p. 1083 pl. 281D, at the Ngor E wam Monastery (Tibet).

Rinchen Migyur Gyaltsen is holding a long-life vase.  

16th century, Tibet, Lowo Kenchen Sonam Lhundrup, copper alloy with copper inlay, 44,5 cm, private collection, photo and detailed notes by Sosi Mehren on Bonhams

Sonam Lhundrup, above, and Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, below, are holding lotuses topped with the hilt of a sword (to their right) and a manuscript (to their left), which are Manjushri’s attributes.

Late 15th or early 16th century, Tibet, Tsang province, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, bronze, private collection, Purity and Enlightenment lot 18, Hollywood Galleries

Tibet, Shakyamuni seated – dhyana mudra (3)

Circa 12th century, Tibet, Nepalese schools, Buddha Shakyamuni, copper with traces of gilding, 12,5 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 947 pl. 224E , at the gTsug lha khang of the Mindroling monastery (Tibet).

Two statues of the historical buddha seated on a cushion, his legs locked and his hands in the gesture of meditation. His monastic garment covers one shoulder only.

Circa 12th century, Tibet, Nepalese schools, Buddha Shakyamuni, copper, 11,8 cm, photo as before (p. 947 pl. 224 D), at the Palkor Chode monastic complex in Gyantse (Tibet).

16th-17th century, Tibet, Buddha, gilt bronze, 23 cm, private collection, photo on Michael Backman

Tibet, Green Tara (39)

Circa 14th century, Tibet, Nepalese schools, Tara, copper with traces of gilding, turquoise, lapis lazuli, rock crystal, on a gilt copper repoussé base, 29,5 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 966 pl. 233A, at the sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery (Tibet).

Green Tara holding a small round object in her right hand and making the gesture to bestow refuge (tip of ring finger on tip of thumb) with the other. A flower was once attached to her left elbow.

Circa 15th century, Tibet, Nepalese schools, Tara, gilt copper, 49 cm, photo as before (p. 967 pl. 233B), at the Shalu monastery (Tibet).

With her right hand in the boon-granting gesture and the other making the gesture of debate.

Circa 15th-16th century, Tibet, Tara, gilt copper alloy with stones, 9,5 cm, private collection, Fine Asian Works of Art lot 320, 17th December 2018, Bonhams (San Francisco).

16th century, Tibet, Tara, copper alloy, size not given, photo 36 on wisdomlib, at the Patan Museum (Nepal).

18th century, Tibet, Tara, copper alloy, size not given, photo on wisdomlib, at the Patan Museum (Nepal).

Seated on a double-lotus base decorated with an elephant next to the flower that supports her right foot.

18th century (Tibet?), Tara, bronze (with remains of gilding), 10 cm, Northern Himalayan Section photo 40, on wisdomlib, at the National Museum of Nepal.

Although labelled ‘Saptalochani Tara’ (Sitatara/White Tara), this is Green Tara, who has a green body on paintings and always sits with a leg pendant.

18th century (Tibet?), Arya Tara, bronze (with remains of gilding), 19 cm, Northern Himalayan Section photo 41, on wisdomlib, at the National Museum of Nepal.

Arya Tara is the name given to Syamatara/Green Tara in Nepal.

Tibet, Sarasvati

7th-8th century, Tibet, Yarlung Dynasty, Sarasvati, copper, 13 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume Two, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 761 pl. 178A, at the sMin grol gling (Mindroling) monastery (Tibet). [Now attributed to Choying Dorje].

We have seen a few similar brass and copper alloy sculptures (classified under Tara on HAR), some of them attributed to the tenth Karmapa or his atelier and therefore 17th century, others made in the same style but at a later date. The deity is seated with her legs slightly unfolded, her right hand in the gesture of generosity and the left hand holding a lotus bud, exactly like a silver alloy figure seen in a previous post, identified as Sarasvati because of the peacocks that support her seat – the peacock being Sarasvati’s mount. (Same publication, p. 763 pl. 179D, Potala Collection inventory nº 255).

7th century, Nepalese artist in Tibet, Sarasvati or Tara, wood, photo as before (Volume One, p. 427, pl.135B), doorway to the Padmasambhava chapel of the Jokhang, Lhasa (Tibet).

The above makes the gesture of reassurance with her right hand. The author suggests it may be Sarasvati, rather than Tara, because the latter was not worshipped in Tibet until the 11th century. One may add that the way her legs are crossed at the ankle does not match a typical depiction of Green Tara, who sits with a leg pendent.

16th-17th century, Tibet, Sarasvati, bronze with traces of gilding, 12,2 cm, private collection, Asian Art lot 121, 2nd November 2011, Koller.

The goddess of the Arts and Speech playing the vina (missing in this case).

Pala India, Jambhala (8)

12th-13th century, Northeastern India, ‘Ucchusma Jambhala at the Age of Five’, brass, 14,8 cm, photo: courtesy of Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet Volume One, Visual Dharma Publications, Hong Kong, p. 302 pl. 102 A, at the Lima Lhakhang of the Mindroling Monastery (Tibet).

An image of this little imp was erroneously posted in the Nepalese section of this blog after appearing in an article on Nepal (on Asian Art ) without its full caption (mea culpa, the lotus base is clearly a Pala-style one). In the said article, Gautama V. Vajracharya explains that in an ancient Indian text Jambhala is described as a five-year old child, whose ears are not yet pierced. We have seen many Tibetan sculptures depicting Black Jambhala, also known as Dimbla and Ucchusma Jambhala, like an obese, sometimes irate yaksha of an undetermined age. This one, the first from Northeastern India so far, clearly depicts him as a youth, naked and adorned with snakes (including one to tie his mitre-like flaming hair), standing on a treasure owner with a human appearance. There is a jewel-spitting mongoose in his left hand and a skull cup in the other. The image on the following link, which depicts the same child-like form of Jambhala, was probably also made in Northeastern India (or by an Indian artist in Tibet): Museum der Kulturen .

12th century, Northeastern India, Jambhala, bronze, 6 cm, private collection, Fine Asian Art lot 74, photo on Gazette Drouot.

In his one-head and two-arm form, Yellow Jambhala is usually seated with a leg pendent, the foot resting on a lotus or a pot of gems, holding his mongoose in his left hand and displaying a citron (bijapura) or a gem-shaped fruit in the other. He is adorned with a crown and jewellery, and sometimes a garland of pots. He is often confused with Kubera (see below for information).

6th-8th century, Northeastern India, Kubera, stone, 84,5 cm, Fine Chinese Art lot 245, 30th September 2022, Galerie Zacke.

Kubera is a Hindu deity, King of the yakshas, Lord of Wealth, and Guardian of the North (like Vaishravana in Buddhism). In Buddhist sculpture he may be the victim crushed by Ucchusma Jambhala. He has a yaksha appearance, with one head and two or four arms, usually seated, sometimes with his consort. He may hold a hook in his right hand and a mace in the other (especially in Nepal), or a pomegranate, a mace, or a money bag in his right hand and a mongoose together with a sheaf of wheat in his left hand or, on early Indian clay sculptures, hold his right hand palm out with three fingers outstretched and have a money bag or a horn in the other. According to the auction house, the above holds a cup in his right hand and a money bag in the other, which is yet a different combination.