Palpung Monastery: Dusum Khyenpa

CHINA, Sichuan, Garze; Qing dynasty

This sculpture portrays Dusum Khyenpa, the founder of the Tibetan Karma Kagyu school. He was recognized as the first birth in the line of Gyalwa Karmapas and wears the black hat associated with them. The lama was also regarded as a manifestation of Kasyapa Buddha, who spent his life in ascetic practice. Thus, many of Dusum Khyenpa’s images depict a lean, aged practitioner. The lama’s face has deep eyes, high cheekbones and a wrinkled forehead and wears a monastic robe beneath an over-robe. The attire and cushioned support are decorated with flower and cloud patterns. The figure sits in full lotus position with the right hand in the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra associated with the Buddha’s enlightenment, indicating a similar attainment.
According to the inscription on the back of the cushion, the figure was originally kept in Palpung monastery in the Tibetan Derge region of Sichuan. The detailed bronze sculpture is well-proportioned with a vivid, refined face.