The Newar Craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley: Objects of Devotion from Nepal

Guru Rimpoche
Gilt Copper, painted
Cast by Siddhi Raj Shakya
Engraved by Bhim Shakya
15”

This is the intense but compassionate face of Guru Rimpoche, who in the 8th century brought Tantric Buddhism to Tibet. The image was cast in copper, then fire gilded with 24 carat gold and colorfully painted and studded with precious and semi-precious stones. The artist's great reverence towards the Guru Rimpoche is demonstrated by using 24 carat gold leaf even though it would be painted over with oil paint to depict the colorful robes worn by Guru Rimpoche.