Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) Filigree Statue

Padmasambhava, known as Guru Rinpoche, is regarded as one of the central figures of tantric Buddhism. In the 8th century, he was invited to Tibet, where he played a decisive role in the establishment and transmission of the Buddhist teachings.

The statue depicts Guru Rinpoche seated on a lotus pedestal. The upper body is upright, the posture relaxed and composed. In his right hand he holds a vajra; the left hand rests in his lap and carries a patra (skull cup) with an inserted vase. The tantric staff, the khatvanga, is held close to the left shoulder. He is dressed in a royal mantle and hat.

Hat, mantle, and pedestal are fully worked with filigree and accented with colored stones. The garment is richly articulated and displays a guided ornamental structure that extends evenly across the surfaces. The execution allows for an expansive application of filigree, in which the garment surface is fully utilized throughout its entire flow. Fine spiral forms, filled with smaller curved elements, create a continuous pattern.

Colored stones articulate the filigree and bring together individual areas into floral motifs. The brocade-like patterns follow the folds of the garment and emphasize their flow, lending the figure a cohesive and precious presence.

The filigree work reflects a high level of craftsmanship and the particular respect accorded to the Guru.

Padmasambhava

copper statue, traditional lost-wax cast, decorated with fine filigree, gold- and silver-plated, set with colored stones. The figure is patinated. The face is set in gold. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 15" / 38 cm 
• Width: 9.5" / 24 cm 
• Depth: 7.5" / 19 cm 
• Weight: 4.678 g

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