A Silver Figure of a Buddhist Adept, Tibet, 17th Century

This rare silver figure depicting the portrait of a Buddhist adept is exquisitely modelled. Although the identity of the teacher remains unknown, the face possesses details that capture the adept’s individualized features – his elongated face, prominent forehead and nose, high cheekbones, square chin and playful smile. The portrayal is one of spirited charm and charisma. 

Silver is an unusual and costly choice for cast portraits, the more widely known examples of which are closely associated with the Karmapa and Sharmapa lineages, unlike the present sculpture. It can be assumed in this case that the adept must have been highly esteemed to have warranted the making of a silver cast in his likeness. The sophisticated engraving of the robes, particularly the cloak showing the saptaratna, or seven gems of the chakravartin – including the elephants tusks, rhinoceros horn, crossed gems, round golden earrings, square golden earrings, coral, crossed swords – incised among cloud designs, are delightfully rendered details.