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This example of Tibetan wooden sculpture was made with a combined method of solid wood carving and composite construction similar to its pair, the sculpture of Dromtonpa. Both have the same size and painted decoration and were probably part of a larger set that represented the teachers of the Gelug tradition.
Atisha (982-1054)
OriginTibet
Dateca. 18th-19th century
Dimensions12 3/4 × 9 × 5 1/2 in.
MediumWood, pigments, lacquer
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object numberC2013.12.6
Himalayan Art Resources Number1119
DescriptionAtisha was one of the most famous Indian teachers. He was invited to teach by religious kings of Western Tibet. This sculpture depicts him wearing a hat of a scholar (pandita’s hat), his usual attribute. His robes do not appear to be that of an Indian monk - the collared vest is a standard part of Tibetan monks’ robes. Atisha’s posture has a barely noticeable relaxed lean to the right with his head slightly raised. The expression on his face, painted in golden pigment, is thoughtful, gazing forward, apt for a teacher giving a discourse, as indicated by his hands held in a teaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra).This example of Tibetan wooden sculpture was made with a combined method of solid wood carving and composite construction similar to its pair, the sculpture of Dromtonpa. Both have the same size and painted decoration and were probably part of a larger set that represented the teachers of the Gelug tradition.
Not on view
ca. 18th-19th century
15th century
16th century
late 18th - 19th century
11th century
16th century
ca. second quarter of 15th century
late 12th-early 13th century
late 18th century
ca. 16th century
17th century