AN INSCRIBED SILVER-INLAID GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF TSONGKHAPA, TIBET, 15TH-16TH CENTURY

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AN INSCRIBED SILVER-INLAID GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF TSONGKHAPA, TIBET, 15TH-16TH CENTURY Expert’s note: Comparable gilt copper-alloy images of Tsongkhapa have variously been dated from the 15th to the 17th century, and the present figure has previously been placed toward the later end of that range. This author, however, considers a date in the 15th to 16th century to be more convincing. Its inspired conception and exceptional casting, combined with its naturally developed and wholly consistent patina, and the resulting expressive and spiritual power of the figure, all argue in favor of this earlier dating. It is understandable that the additional ornamentation on the shoulders, distinguishing the present figure from examples explicitly dated to the 15th century, may tempt one to favor a somewhat later date within the broader range. On closer examination, however, this argument is unconvincing. The ornamentation remains restrained in character and derives much of its visual impact from the finely executed silver inlays—a feature of exceptional refinement that is no longer encountered in comparable quality during the 17th century. The main stylistic features, are also far more consistent with 15th century castings from Central Tibet. In particular, the lotus petals and tall foot of the base closely recall the sculptural idiom associated with the atelier of Sonam Gyaltsen, which was active in Tsang during the first half of the 15th century. A useful comparison is the published and exhibited inscribed gilt copper-alloy figure of Gampopa sold at Sotheby’s New York, 24 September 1997, lot 88, and again at Bonhams Hong Kong, 14 March 2017, lot 3225 (fig. 1). The 15th century was also the decisive period in which Tsongkhapa’s historical and visual legacy became established across Central Tibet. The communities founded by the master and his disciples expanded rapidly from their earliest centers in U into Tsang, while portrait images of Tsongkhapa gave enduring material form to his growing following and the emerging Gelug tradition. In the present figure, the lama’s formal, hieratic bearing is held in subtle tension with an unusually candid sense of personality. The face is warmly characterized by delicately defined laugh lines, plump cheeks, a rounded nose, and a pointed chin, which together convey an impression of approachability and warmth. Even the toes peeking from beneath the robes soften the otherwise composed posture. This is similarly illustrated by a 15th century bronze from Central Tibet sold in the Claude de Marteau Collection at Bonhams, Paris, 14 June 2022, lot 41 (fig. 2). The result is an image of remarkable human presence, with the especially fine modeling of the face and hands creating a subtle counterpoint between portrait likeness and idealized sanctity. Combined with the exceptional quality and elaborate finish, evident in the three graduated bands of beading around the lotus base, the refined silver inlay, and the superbly written inscription, this inspired conception strongly supports a 15th to 16th century dating. Superbly cast seated in padmasana on a double-lotus base with effusive petals and three differently sized rows of finely beaded rims, his hands in dharmachakra mudra, holding lotus stems coming to full bloom at the shoulders, bearing a sword and a sutra manuscript ingenuously inlaid with silver and metal sheet fashioned into a scroll. The founder of the Gelug School is dressed in heavy inner and outer patchwork robes with minutely punched hems, decorated at the right shoulder with scrolling clouds. His face bears a serene expression marked by thickly lidded downcast eyes, elegantly arched brows, and full lips forming a subtle smile, flanked by pendulous earlobes. The neatly incised hair cropped short with pronounced widow’s peak. The back of the base is meticulously incised with a line of Tibetan inscription, ‘I prostrate to victorious royal ba Tsong kha pa’. Dimensions: Height 16.2 cm This portrait bronze of Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) details his receding hairline and deep grooves around the mouth, distinctive features of the great sage's portrait. Its impassioned inscription further serves to identify him. The sword and sutra emerging from lotuses by his shoulders, eluding to the bodhisattva Manjushri, emphasize Tsongkhapa's own pursuit of knowledge and eminence as a legendary scholar. Tsongkhapa is widely regarded in Tibet as a second Buddha and the main teacher of the first Dalai Lama, Gendun Drub (1391-1474). An eminent scholar, he reformed the old Kadampa sect, creating the new Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat), and is the founder of the monasteries Ganden, Drepung, and Sera. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related gilt-bronze figure of Tsongkhapa at Sotheby’s Paris, June 2007, and illustrated on Himalayan Art Resources, where it is dated to the 15th century. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 14 September 2010, lot 66 Price: USD 74,500 or approx. EUR 100,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and gilding. Note the similar facial features, patchwork robe with punched hems, inlaid decoration of the sutra on his shoulder, and size (18.7 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams Paris, 4 October 2022, lot 19 Price: EUR 69,675 or approx. EUR 74,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and gilding. Note the similar base, patchwork robe with punched hems, and size (18.8 cm).

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