Sakya Lama, probably Sonam Lhundrup of Mustang

Historical period(s)
ca. 1500
Medium
Copper alloy, traces of pigments and black pitch
Dimensions
H x W x D: 31.5 × 22.6 × 19 cm (12 3/8 × 8 7/8 × 7 1/2 in)
Geography
Western or central Tibet
Credit Line
The Alice S. Kandell Collection
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S2015.28.8
On View Location
Sackler Gallery 22: Encountering the Buddha
Classification(s)
Metalwork, Sculpture
Type

Figure

Keywords
Alice S. Kandell Collection, Buddhism, lama, Tibet
Provenance
Provenance information is currently unavailable
Label

This very handsome and finely realized sculpture may represent the great Sakya scholar Lowo Kenchen Sonam Lhundrup (1456-1532), abbot of Lo Manthang monastery in Mustang (in northern Nepal) because he holds a flaming jewel in his left hand and lifts his right hand in the vitarka gesture signifying the transmission of knowledge.  Moreover, other inscribed images of Sonam Lhundrup depict the abbot, as here, with a broad face, square jaw, and hefty body.

Published References
  • Marylin M. Rhie, Robert A.F. Thurman. A Shrine for Tibet: The Alice S. Kandell Collection. New York and London. II-4a-b, 108-109.
Collection Area(s)
South Asian and Himalayan Art
Web Resources
Whistler's Neighborhood
Google Cultural Institute
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