A gilt bronze figure of Tsongkhapa, 17th/18th century, Sino-Tibet

The lama is seated in dhyana asana upon a double lotus base; his hands are held in dharmachakra mudra (the gesture of teaching) and they hold the ends of lotus stems. Tsongkhapa (1357 - 1419) was regarded as an incarnation of Manjusri and shares the bodhisattva’s attributes - the flowers at each shoulder supporting, on the right, a flaming sword (or khadga) that cuts through ignorance and, on the left, a book of transcendental wisdom - known as a pustaka. He was born in the Amdo region, East Tibet and his name translates as ‘the man from the onion place’; an accomplished scholar, he founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism - also known as the ‘Yellow Hat’ sect. In his teachings, he promoted the principles of universal compassion as the foundation of spirituality - as the Dalai Lama continues to do today.

Tsongkhapa’s robes are finely engraved on the borders with foliate designs, and flow over his legs to fan out on top of the front of the base. His eyes are half-closed in meditation, and the expression is kind and serene with a slight smile; his head and face bear traces of black and red pigments. A double vajra - centred by a yin yang symbol - is engraved on the copper plate that seals the base.

Height: 22.5 cm

Similar example: ‘Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal’ by J. Spencer, Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1993 - pages 128/129, no. 57.