Fourth Shamarpa

CHINA; Qing dynasty

Shamar Chokyi Drakpa Yeshe Pal Zangpo was recognized as the Fourth Shamarpa, in the second line of reincarnate lamas to be established in the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He traveled a lot and established several monasteries outside Tibet.
The Sharmapa is portrayed in this small sculpture as wearing the red crown bestowed on his lineage as a sign of office. It is lotus-shaped and decorated with a crossed vajra at the center. The Shamarpa is dressed in full monastic garb and holds a longevity vase in his left hand, while the right hand is in bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra, identifying his spiritual attainment with the “mirror knowledge” of Aksobhya. He sits upon a cushion in full lotus position, with knees covered by the overmantle that hangs from his shoulders. The elegant folds of his dress, the heaviness of the material and its floral pattern are realistically expressed. Engraved at the back is a Tibetan inscription naming the subject.