Gampopa Sonam Rinchen Statue – Buddhist Figure with Filigree

Gampopa, foremost student of Milarepa and founder of the monastic Kagyu tradition. His robe and pedestal are worked in filigree and decorated with colored stones.

Gampopa Sönam Rinchen, also known as Dagpo Rinpoche, played a central role in the early development of the Kagyu school. The lineages that developed from his teachings are referred to as the Dhakpo Kagyu. His main place of activity was the monastery of Dhaklha Gampo, where he taught and passed on his extensive knowledge of Dharma practice and meditation.

The statue shows Gampopa seated in the lotus posture on a rounded base. He wears the Kagyu hat introduced by Milarepa. His hands are folded in his lap, holding the Jewel of the Dharma, depicted as a six-column flame form. The robe is crossed at the front and covers the upper body, his left arm, and the legs.

The base, robe, and hat are worked in filigree. Thin wires are shaped into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and assembled into an ornamental pattern. Colored stones form floral motifs within the filigree. A central rosette marks the centre on the back of the robe.

The statue follows the image traditions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which ritual identity, gesture, and ornament are brought together into a balanced iconographic unity.

Gampopa Rinpoche

Statue made of copper, traditional lost-wax cast, embellished with filigree, gold- and silver-plated, set with colored stones. The statue is patinated. The face is set in gold. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 21.5 cm  
• Width: 18 cm  
• Depth: 11 cm 
• Weight: 1928 g 

NOTE
The face painting is a cold gold application and water-soluble.