Figure Item Number: Ee4.25 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Cast metal statue of Tsongkapa Losang Drakpa, holding the stem of one of the two lotuses representing emptiness and bodhicitta/bliss, seated cross-legged on a lotus. Textured full-monk robes depicted by incised markings. Base is sealed and incised with a stylized double vajra.
History Of Use
For daily or festival worship in a household or small temple.
Iconographic Meaning
Hands form a dharmachakra mudra, or "turning the wheel of the law." Signifies preaching. Image is bodhisattva, a manifestation of Buddha. The vajra is a thunderbolt, symbol of power.
Cultural Context
for worship
Narrative
Statue of the founder of the Tibetan Buddhist Gelukpa lineage, Tsongkapa Losang Drakpa (1357–1419). Consecrated objects may be kept inside the statue.
Item History
- Made in Tibet
- Collected between 1955 and 1973
- Owned by Victor Hardy before December 11, 1979
- Received from Victor Hardy (Donor) on December 11, 1979
What
- Name
- Figure
- Identification Number
- Ee4.25
- Type of Item
- figure
- Material
- bronze metal and copper metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast and incised
- Overall
- height 20.0 cm, width 12.0 cm, depth 8.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- Tibetan
- Previous Owner
- Victor Hardy
- Received from
- Victor Hardy (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Tibet
When
- Collection Date
- between 1955 and 1973
- Ownership Date
- before December 11, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 11, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture; metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 81
- Accession Number
- 0580/0001