A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF PADMASAMBHAVA TIBET, 15TH CENTURY |

seated in dhyanasana holding a vajra in the proper raised right hand, a kapala in the left hand, wearing the peaked Indian cap of a pandita surmounted by feathers and adorned with a sun and moon, above the furrowed brow and the wide, almond-shaped eyes, the ears adorned with disc-form foliate earrings, wearing richly embroidered inner and outer patchwork robes and pointed Tibetan-style boots

Collection of the late Dr. Eugen W. Duetschler, Swiss Consul in Karachi from 1949. 
Gifted to the consignor, Switzerland, 1970s.

Wear to gilding and accretion overall. Slight bending to peaks of cap. Traces of polychromy on hair. Slight casting flaw at proper left shoulder. Base plate sealed.
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This charismatic work depicts the legendary Indian pandita Padmasambhava. Known as Guru Rinpoche to Tibetans, and by many other names which reflect his multiple forms, Padmasambhava is credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet. In the 8th century, the Indian abbot Shantarakshita and the Tibetan chögyal or dharma king Trisong Detsen invited the tantrika Padmasambhava to make the arduous journey to Tibet. Along the way, he encountered and subdued the many local spirits, gods and goddesses and bound them by oath as sworn protectors and protectresses of Buddhism in Tibet. Upon his arrival in Ü province, Padmasambhava subdued the local spirits hindering the construction of Tibet's first monastery, Samye.

Compare a circa 15th century Padmasambhava formerly in the Blanche C. Olschak Collection, see U. von Schroeder, Indo-Tibetan Bronzes, Hong Kong, 1981, p. 449, pl. 122C, and compare the pedestal design with circa 15th century gilt-copper statues portraying Shadakshari Lokeshvara and a lama, ibid., p. 449, pls. 122G-H.

Compare as well another circa 15th century gilt-copper Padmasambhava in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, collected in Shigatse in 1914, that is similarly cast separately to its lotus base, Victoria and Albert Museum acc. no. IM.240-1922. 

Himalayan Art Resources item no. 13394.