ABS 177
Code: ABS 177
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1400
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 13.8 x 16.3 x 10.2
Materials: Brass; extensively inlaid with silver and copper
Dolpopa Sherap Gyaltsen (1292-1361)
This true technical masterpiece depicts the famous master Dolpopa Sherap Gyaltsen as a richly dressed monk. His square face imbued with joyful gentleness, the corpulent master sits on a lotus, wearing monastic robes and a pandita hat. His inner garment, rosary, and nails are inlaid with copper and silver. The cloak covering his back and legs is very finely engraved with floral motifs and animals in medallions: dragon, phoenix, lions, and deer. The eight auspicious signs are engraved on the back of the pedestal.
An emblematic master of the Jonang lineage, Dolpopa remained famous for his philosophical writings on extrinsic emptiness (Tib. shentong), a daring complex theory drawn from the Kalachakra tantra that has divided the religious community to this day. Although the statue has no inscription, the iconography leaves no doubt as to who is portrayed. Two other nearly identical examples were photographed by Alain Bordier and Ulrich von Schroeder in the Jokhang collection in Lhasa.
This true technical masterpiece depicts the famous master Dolpopa Sherap Gyaltsen as a richly dressed monk. His square face imbued with joyful gentleness, the corpulent master sits on a lotus, wearing monastic robes and a pandita hat. His inner garment, rosary, and nails are inlaid with copper and silver. The cloak covering his back and legs is very finely engraved with floral motifs and animals in medallions: dragon, phoenix, lions, and deer. The eight auspicious signs are engraved on the back of the pedestal.
An emblematic master of the Jonang lineage, Dolpopa remained famous for his philosophical writings on extrinsic emptiness (Tib. shentong), a daring complex theory drawn from the Kalachakra tantra that has divided the religious community to this day. Although the statue has no inscription, the iconography leaves no doubt as to who is portrayed. Two other nearly identical examples were photographed by Alain Bordier and Ulrich von Schroeder in the Jokhang collection in Lhasa.