ABS 008
Code: ABS 008
Country: Tibet (central)
Style:
Date: 1350 - 1450
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 14 x 23.2 x 11.9
Materials: Brass
Unidentified Kagyüpa monastic master
This plump master sits legs crossed in meditation on a now lost pedestal. Clad in the triple monastic robe, his right lifted hand performs the gesture of argumentation while his left rests in contemplation on his lap, supporting a longevity vase. With the short hair of a monk, he wears the meditation hat typical of the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. The artist paid great attention to the details of his garment, beautifully adorned with intricate vegetal scrolls, flowers, birds and cloud patterns especially visible on the back of the statue.
His eyes and lips are inlaid with silver and copper, as is his hat decorated with the amazing presence of two small representations of Tibet’s most famous yogin Milarepa. The absence of inscription prevents any possible identification. Nonetheless, his gesture, attributes and hat designate him as a teacher and probably an ascetic versed in the longevity practices. In this view, his prominent belly could be seen as a sign of advanced practices of the pranayama, the yogic practices focused on breath retention.
This plump master sits legs crossed in meditation on a now lost pedestal. Clad in the triple monastic robe, his right lifted hand performs the gesture of argumentation while his left rests in contemplation on his lap, supporting a longevity vase. With the short hair of a monk, he wears the meditation hat typical of the Kagyü school of Tibetan Buddhism. The artist paid great attention to the details of his garment, beautifully adorned with intricate vegetal scrolls, flowers, birds and cloud patterns especially visible on the back of the statue.
His eyes and lips are inlaid with silver and copper, as is his hat decorated with the amazing presence of two small representations of Tibet’s most famous yogin Milarepa. The absence of inscription prevents any possible identification. Nonetheless, his gesture, attributes and hat designate him as a teacher and probably an ascetic versed in the longevity practices. In this view, his prominent belly could be seen as a sign of advanced practices of the pranayama, the yogic practices focused on breath retention.