Thangtong Gyalpo (1361-1485)
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 1

ABS 012

 Code: ABS 012

  Country: Tibet (central)

  Style:

  Date: 1500 - 1550

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 10.5 x 16 x 7.7

  Materials: Brass

This portrait-statue represents Tangton Gyalpo (1361-1485), distinguished by his long hair and goatee beard. Tangton Gyalpo is known as a genius of outstanding skills in many different fields, including architecture, sculpture, painting, and medicine. He became most famous for his iron chain bridges, of which several still exist even today.
 
Tangton Gyalpo is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana) on a lotus pedestal. He is clad in a garment covering both shoulders and legs, exposing a naked chest. In each hand he is holding a medicine pill between index finger and thumb, the right hand lifted up, the left hand resting in his lap. The hem of the garment is decorated with engraved ornaments. The face shows traces of painted cold gold and the hair traces of a blue pigment. 
The bottom of the pedestal is sealed with a brass plate decorated with the vishvavajra emblem.