A Sino-Tibetan gilt copper alloy repoussé figure of Tsong Khapa, 18/19th Century.
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Seated in padmasana on a double lotus base, wearing the traditional pandita or pansha hat worn by Buddhist scolars in India, the hands in dharmachakra mudra. Height 19 cm.
Wear. Padma stems to the sides are missing.
Provenance
The Oldertz Collection. Purchased at Bonhams, December 7th 1994. Lot no 112.
The Oldertz Collection. Carl Oldertz (1924-2006), was a M.D.h.c. and a Director of a Swedish Insurance Company, Stockholm.
Carl was a passionate collector, who built his collection over the decades. In the 1970’s he started to focus his interest in objects from Asia, mainly Chinese Antiques and Works of Art. He was very much an academic collector who strived to acquire pieces from different epoques and constantly sought after more knowledge about the pieces, the techniques and their history. His broad interest in Chinese culture and history together with his curiosity led him to visit many private collections and museums around the world.
More information
Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) was born to a nomad family in the Tsong Chu area of northeastern Tibet. Recognized at early age as a reincarnated Bodhisattva, he was given his novice monk's wove at the age of three by the Karmapa Rolpay Dorje. In 1409 he founded Ganden Monastery. His followers became known as the Gelugpa sect, following the teachings of the eleventh-century Indian guru Atisha.