A17 Lama, Tibet 14th century

A17. Lama, 9.7 cm, Kagyu school, Tibet 14th century, copper alloy and copper.

There are many schools and sub schools within Tibetan Buddhism. Unfortunately this sculpture of a Lama does not bear an inscription to indicate his name. However his attire and the mudras of his hands suggest that he is a member of the Pagdru Kagyu sub school of the Karma Kagyu.

The Lama is seated cross legged on a double lotus throne. His intricately modelled robes are chased and stippled with geometric patterns on the front and he wears a beautifully engraved abbot’s cape behind. The borders of the robes are inlaid throughout with copper engraved with a wave and dot pattern.

For Lamas of this type, see Dinwiddie, Portraits of the Masters, Serindia Publications Inc, Chicago, 2003, nos. 36, 42 and 43.