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15th Century Tibetan Image of Guru Padma Sambhava browse these categories for related items... All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Indian Subcontinent:Himalayas: Pre 1492: item # 834895 Please refer to our stock # 1087 when inquiring.
Boran Asian Art Grays, 1-7 Davies Mews, Mayfair, London, W1 0044 (0)795 422 8735 Guest Book SOLD |
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Details: A mysterious and powerful example of the great adept Padma Sambhava from 15th century Tibet, cast in brassy copper alloy. The Guru holds a tool of power the vajra scepter in his right hand, raised in the threatening gesture. In his left he holds the skull bowl symbolizing the realization of absolute voidness, in which there is a vase containing the elixir of immortality, symbolizing his being a manifestation of Amitabha and Amitayus (infinite life and light). He wears a form of adept’s hat unique to him and his robes and ornaments show his royal status. A fine pattern of boldly chased flowers decorates the robes which have a pronounced naturalism, the drapery is independent from the shape of the body, and yet at the same time it seems to take account of the body beneath, indicating a greater awareness of natural form. Around his torso is tied a tiger skin, indicating his status as an adept. His face is long and full, the eyes inlaid with silver and the mouth with copper, imparting a sense of realism to the somewhat stylized features of the intent face. The round eyes seem intently fixed and are especially effective in almost a terrifying form showing the power he embodies. Padma Sambhava “The Lotus Born” of the Nyingma Order, is said to have been born in the Swat valley region of ancient India and to have transmitted Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet in the 8th century. Also known as Guru Rinpoche "Precious Master”, followers of the Nyingma School regard him as a direct emanation of Amitabha Buddha and a terrific colleague of Avalokiteshvara. To the Tibetans, he serves the mythic function of comprising in his person all the attributes of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and the eighty four Great Adepts. He thus personifies the power of all the divine benevolence directed toward the Tibetan people. His image is evident everywhere in Tibet and his name and mantra “Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum” is often on the lips of Tibetans. Age: 15th Century. Height: 20.5 cm. Remarks: The inscription around the bottom of the base reads: "I pay homage to the Buddha (Namo Buddhaya). I Drungpa (family name) Tsas (Chos ?) D’Pal Gis have commissioned this image for the good fortune of Drungpa Sangs R’Gyas Phun Tshogs and his mother”. The final few lines are unintelligible, but the words “...may increase...." are visible. (Many thanks to Giorgio for translating the script). |
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