This is a gilt-bronze sculpture of the Dalai Lama. The figure wears the distinctively Gelugpa sharp-tipped lama hat, denoting its privileged and extraordinarily position within the ranks of the school. Seated in lotus posture, his hands form the teaching (dharmacakra) mudra, holding the roots of a pair of lotus flowers beside his shoulders. The Dalai Lama is the head of the Gelug school, as well as the leader of the theocratic Tibetan state since the 16th to 17th century. The Dalai Lama is believed to be the manifestation of Avalokitesvara, therefore the sculpture is accompanied by a pair of lotus flowers, just like other Bodhisattva deities. Therefore, the Dalai Lama has to be both a renowned and knowledgeable grand master in Buddhist doctrines who has the ability to teach, as well as a visionary statesman to run a government. The sculpture shows a high degree of realism. From the robe and the hat, to the thrice-folded girdle around his waist, it successfully captures the gist of a respected and revered teacher and statesman.
The lotus flowers are detachable.