Jangchub Rinchen

CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse

Jangchub Rinchen was a sculptor active during the 15th century in Ladoi (present day Shigatse, Tibet), which was renowned for its artists who were skilled in casting gilt bronze Buddhist statues. Based on Biography of the First Dalai Lama, the Dalai Lama went to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse to find an artist that could sculpt a statue of Maitreya Buddha in 1460. The following year, Jangchub Rinchen sent cast samples, and was subsequently selected as the designer and supervisor of the project. He led craftsmen including Gyantse Drongtse and Nenying in the sculpting of the 11 m high bronze Maitreya Buddha enshrined in the northwest of the Maitreya Shrine of Tashilhunpo Monastery.