A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF THE FIRST PANCHEN LAMA, LOBZANG CHOKYI GYALTSEN (1570-1662), TIBET, 17TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF THE FIRST PANCHEN LAMA, LOBZANG CHOKYI GYALTSEN (1570-1662), TIBET, 17TH CENTURY Finely cast, seated in dhyanasana on a rectangular double-cushion throne, his monastic robes falling in broad folds and spilling over the cushion, the right hand raised in vitarka mudra and the left supporting a manuscript in his lap. The face with a serene expression, marked by almond-shaped eyes below gently arched brows, a prominent nose, and pursed lips, the broad shaven head flanked by large protruding ears with pierced lobes. The interior retains two inscribed manuscript rolls. Condition Good condition with wear and casting irregularities, signs of tactile worship, extensive remnants of gilt, minor nicks, light warping and few minute dings, small surface scratches. The base is unsealed. Dimensions: Height 19 cm The present sculpture depicts Lobzang Chokyi Gyaltsen (1570-1662), the First Panchen Lama according to the earlier system of ordering used by the Ganden Podrang and Lhasa administration (or the Fourth in the later system, which includes three earlier incarnations). Clad in the robes of a Tibetan layman, the Panchen Lama is distinguishable by his high protruding ears, high cheekbones, and crisp upper eyelids. As a principal spiritual leader in Tibet of the 17th century, his portrayal is remarkably modest. The prominence of the First Panchen Lama grew out of the religiopolitical role he held in Tibet, conducting both spiritual empowerments and diplomatic affairs alike. From the age of 31, he served as the abbot of many monasteries including Tashilhunpo, Wensa, and Gangchen Chopel. Moreover, his diplomatic strategies within Tibet, particularly in the conflicts between Shigatse and Lhasa, as well as amidst Mongolian invasions and Tibetan-Bhutanese affairs, attested to his adeptness in political negotiation. He also served as the tutor for the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682), who later established the Gelug Line of Panchen incarnations. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 30 November 2022, lot 1022 Mid-Estimate: HKD 250,000 or approx. EUR 29,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and subject, albeit depicted here with a different mudra and identified by an inscription to the back of the base. Note the smaller size (11.5 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams New York, 23 September 2021, lot 1201 Price: USD 50,313 or approx. EUR 53,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and subject with similar pose and mudra. Note the smaller size (12.1 cm) and the well-preserved gilding.

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