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1. Arhat Kalika Tibet 18th century Gilt copper alloy 4 in. (10.3 cm) high |
Identified by the pair of earrings in his hands, the arhat Kalika sits contently with his head slightly tilting to the left. Embracing poverty, Kalika is said to live in cemeteries, and has no possessions other than his robes, begging bowl, and a pair of earrings. His state of mind, completely free from worldly desires, is vividly captured by the present figure. Kalika made it his mission to lead all sentient beings to the path, starting by converting his own parents to Buddhism. Among his many conversions are the gods of one of the Kamaloka heavens, who offered Kalika their earrings, which have become his iconographic attribute. Base plate missing. Published Dinwiddie, Donald. Portraits of the Masters: Bronze Sculptures of the Tibetan Buddhist Lineages. United Kingdom: Pallas Athene, 2003, pp.82-3, no.4. Published & Exhibited Monasterios y Lamas del Tibet, p.149, no.97. Himalayan Art Resources item no.2245 Detail: back Detail: base |