Gilt-Bronze Figure of Shakya Yeshe, 16th Century CE - 18th Century CE
Gilt-Bronze
9.5
CB.2885
This sculpture depicts the Buddhist master Shakya Yeshe. He is sitting on a double lotus plinth in lotus posture. His hands are in the gesture of teaching (dharmachakra), his right...
This sculpture depicts the Buddhist master Shakya Yeshe. He is sitting on a double lotus plinth in lotus posture. His hands are in the gesture of teaching (dharmachakra), his right hand held up to his chest holding a vajra scepter, while his left is placed on his lap holding a ritual bell. His sanghati (monk’s robe) is draped twofold, showing the differences between the layers of clothing in detail. There are several traces of white paint on several points on the figure, which are his right eye, right arm, and the tip of the ritual bell. This suggests that the figure might have undergone consecration rituals. The darkened colour of the robe reflects traces of handling by votive hands. The double lotus base is delightfully crafted. The attention to details to each petal showcases the crafters' zealous devotion to their religion. Since only the front of the lotus pedestal is adroned with petals, the figure was dedicated to be worshipped in an altar cupboard.
Shakya Yeshe was a great Buddhist master, scholar, and translator. He worked with Indian Buddhist masters and translated an enormous amount of tantric Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Tibetan. He is celebrated as one of the most important teachers associated with the Kagyu school, to which the Karmapa belongs. There has been a great number of renowned Buddhist masters and scholars in Tibetan history. Many of them are revered, their likeness immortalised into different art forms such as sculptures and Thangka paintings. Thus, it is not an easy task to match these depictions with the historical figure with unhindered certainty. Fortunately, Shakya Yeshe is a popular subject that many sculptures which depicts him are inscribed. Therefore, with cross-examination one can gradually summarise his characteristics: short hair, rounded head, dharmacakra mudra and another hand on his lap, sometimes holding a vajra sceptre and a ritual bell. Gracefully looking downwards with a gentle smile on his face, this captivating figure perfectly captures the radiating aura of a Buddhist master. Kind and spiritually advanced, the figure invites its audience to seek refuge in his enlightenment.
- Danny Ching
Shakya Yeshe was a great Buddhist master, scholar, and translator. He worked with Indian Buddhist masters and translated an enormous amount of tantric Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Tibetan. He is celebrated as one of the most important teachers associated with the Kagyu school, to which the Karmapa belongs. There has been a great number of renowned Buddhist masters and scholars in Tibetan history. Many of them are revered, their likeness immortalised into different art forms such as sculptures and Thangka paintings. Thus, it is not an easy task to match these depictions with the historical figure with unhindered certainty. Fortunately, Shakya Yeshe is a popular subject that many sculptures which depicts him are inscribed. Therefore, with cross-examination one can gradually summarise his characteristics: short hair, rounded head, dharmacakra mudra and another hand on his lap, sometimes holding a vajra sceptre and a ritual bell. Gracefully looking downwards with a gentle smile on his face, this captivating figure perfectly captures the radiating aura of a Buddhist master. Kind and spiritually advanced, the figure invites its audience to seek refuge in his enlightenment.
- Danny Ching