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A gilt bronze figure of the V Dalai Lama, Tibet, 17th century
Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617 - 1682) was one of the most well regarded Dalai Lamas,
and known in Tibetan history simply as the 'Great Fifth'. Renown as both the spiritual
and political leader under whom Tibet was unified in 1642, he was behind the creation of
a Tibetan nation that was led by a centralized government - under the Dalai Lama; the
seat of government was to be the Potala Palace, and he began its construction in 1645.
This sealed gilt bronze depicts the historical figure seated in the lotus position on a
low dais covered by a mat. He is swathed in a heavy cloak that falls off his shoulders
and collects around him in angular folds; beneath this outer garment, he wears further
layers of clothing and his head is covered by the characteristic peaked (yellow) hat of
the Gelugpa school of Buddhism. Following tradition, the right arm is exposed, and the
right hand is held up in vitarka mudra (intellectual argument). The left hand is placed
in his lap supporting a covered vessel, and his facial expression is one of serious
concentration in meditation.
Height: 13 cm
Similar example: 'The Dalai Lamas' A Visual History, Edited by Martin Brauen, The Ethnographic
Museum of Zurich in association with Serindia Publications, Chicago - page 87,
illustration no. 58.
'Rituels tibetains', Visions secretes du Ve Dalai Lama, Musee Guimet 2003 - figure 4 depicts
a miniature portrait of the V Dalai Lama.
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