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Movement is suggested not only by his stance but also the ends of his garment swirling in all directions and his hair standing on end, simulating flames in both form and color. Begtse’s face bears an extremely wrathful expression, including features that compare well to eighteenth-century central-Tibetan paintings of this deity. However, the rather simplified attachment of his copper cuirass, facial features, stylized hair, and strong relationship to the region, all suggest that this sculpture is Mongolian in origin.
Protector Begtse Chen
OriginMongolia
Datelate 18th - early 19th century
Dimensions19 1/4 × 17 3/4 × 4 3/4 in.
MediumGilt copper alloy with pigments
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2005.12.3
Himalayan Art Resources Number65414
DescriptionBegtse Chen is one of the main protectors of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism and especially revered in Mongolia. He is named for the great copper coat of mail he wears, which is prominently featured in this dynamic sculpture. Here he is also shown wielding a sword with a scorpion handle, and his left hand once held a heart up to his gaping mouth.Movement is suggested not only by his stance but also the ends of his garment swirling in all directions and his hair standing on end, simulating flames in both form and color. Begtse’s face bears an extremely wrathful expression, including features that compare well to eighteenth-century central-Tibetan paintings of this deity. However, the rather simplified attachment of his copper cuirass, facial features, stylized hair, and strong relationship to the region, all suggest that this sculpture is Mongolian in origin.
19th century
11th century
early 20th century
1580s-1590s
13th century
14th century
early 19th century
Dated by inscription,1463
12th-13th century
13th century
14th or 16th - 17th century