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Tsongkhapa (1357-1419); Tibet; 16th century; silver, copper, and enamel with semiprecious stone…
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419)
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419); Tibet; 16th century; silver, copper, and enamel with semiprecious stone…
Tsongkhapa (1357-1419); Tibet; 16th century; silver, copper, and enamel with semiprecious stones and pigments; Rubin Museum of Art, gift of Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation; F1997.31.19 (HAR 700019); photograph by Bruce M. White, Rubin Museum of Art, 2008

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.