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Tsongkhapa (1357-1419)
OriginTibet
Date16th century
Dimensions6 1/4 × 6 × 5 13/16 in.
MediumSilver, copper, and enamel with semiprecious stones and pigments
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation
Object numberF1997.31.19
Himalayan Art Resources Number700019
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/exhibition/symbols-and-meanings/humans/teachers/tsongkapa-1357-1419/
Currently On Viewat Harn Museum of Art, traveling exhibition Gateway to Himalayan Art, until July 28, 2024
DescriptionThis sculpture depicts the founding teacher of Geluk Tibetan Buddhist tradition according to descriptions given in biographies written close to the master’s lifetime. He was said to have a large head, round face with wide forehead, a V-shaped hairline, and a prominent nose. His usual attributes are his monastic robes, hands held at the heart, and a sword and a book resting on lotuses above his shoulders. He is also often depicted wearing a yellow hat, which sometimes is an added miniature textile hat placed on the head of a sculpture.18th century
18th century
15th century
mid-14th to mid-15th century
19th century
20th century
19th century
19th century
15th century
ca. 18th-19th century
Dated by inscription,1463