An inscribed polychromed zitan figure of Sanggye Menla (Medicine Buddha), Tibet or possibly Bhutan, 18th century or earlier

Acquired circa 1980s (by repute).

Zitan, known in Tibetan as sengdeng (སེང་ལྡེང), is a rare and expensive wood that is often confused with aromatic Indian sandalwood, although it is quite distinct in its deep purplish red undertones. This fine figure of Bhaisajyaguru or Sanggye Menla (in Tibetan, as is relevant to this sculpture) is identifiable as such despite his missing proper-right arm and medicinal bowl. A small inscription, nearly completely abraded at the lower backside of the sculpture, also indicates that this is Sanggye Menla. 

The Blue Beryl Tantra, realized by terton Drapa Ngonshe (1012-1090) in the 11th century describes Shakyamuni Buddha entering a deep meditation and assuming the form of Bhaisajyaguru, Master of Remedies, from a past kalpa. This Tantric teaching on Tibetan medicine with Sanggye Menla at its center, was widely popularized in the 17th century by the Regent to the Fifth Dalai Lama, Sanggye Gyatso. Another 18th-century example of this figure carved into zitan can be found illustrated in Theresia Hofer, Bodies in Balance: The Art of Tibetan Medicine, Rubin Museum, New York, 2014, p. 134, fig. 7.6.