A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF NYIMA ZANGPO

TIBET, 16TH CENTURY

Details

A GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF NYIMA ZANGPO
TIBET, 16TH CENTURY
Powerfully modeled, seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base draped with a deer skin, surmounting a stepped plinth molded with silver-fanged lions and draped with a blanket inlaid with brass and silver in a diamond pattern, his right hand in bhumisparsa mudra while holding chain links, his left bearing a kalasha, wearing long flowing robes finely incised with floral bands and beaded silver borders, holding lotus stalks rising to his shoulders supporting diminutive images of lamas, his face expressively modeled with silver inlaid eyes, the arms and feet with remains of cold gilding, the rear of base with three-line Tibetan inscription
12 in. (32.5 cm.) high

Lot Essay

Nyima Zangpo is the first reincarnation of Thangtong Gyalpo, the renowned bridge builder, engineer, and founder of the first opera troupe in Tibet.

The Tibetan text on the reverse reads: 'Avalokiteshvara bestows power on him, the holder of the Buddha's teachings in the Land of Snows, the incomparable Iron One, ornament of the world. Let us pay homage to Nyima Zangpo!'

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