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4. Portrait of Atisha Tibet circa 17th century Copper alloy Height: 21 cm |
Atisha (982-1054) was an Indian pandit who played an important role in the transmission of Buddhist teachings in Tibet. The 21 cm high copper alloy sculpture, circa 17th century, shows the eminent teacher holding his hands in the gesture of religious instruction, dharmachakra, with his torso swaying slightly to the left and wearing a pointed monastic cap. His Tibetan students founded the Kadam order, one of the most important schools of Buddhism in Tibet. The order was reformed in the 14th century when it became the Geluk, the 'yellow cap' order, headed today by the Dalai Lama. |