Hand Made 24 Karat Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 10.75" The 16th Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje Statue

The 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje Statue

 The Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje {1924 – 1981}

The Sixteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, was born in Denkhog in the province of Derge, East Tibet. His father’s name was Tsewang Phuntsok, and his mother’s name was Kelzang Dolma. Having been told by a few masters in Derge that she would bear a great Bodhisattva, Kelzang Dolma went to stay in a sacred cave that was once used by Guru Rinpoche and there she awaited the birth of her son. She was accompanied by a Khenpo who instructed her on the cleansing ceremony. It is said that toward the end of her pregnancy, the future Karmapa disappeared from her womb for a whole day. He returned and Kelzang Dolma experienced normal pregnancy again. Those persons who were present on the auspicious day of his birth heard the new-born baby say to his mother that he would leave soon.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture is a beautiful depiction of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa – Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, expertly cast from copper alloy using the revered lost wax method and adorned with the opulence of 24-karat gold gilding. The Karmapa's features have been meticulously hand-painted, imbuing the piece with a sense of lifelike presence and spiritual radiance.

Each element of the sculpture, from the intricate details of the Karmapa's ornate robes to the delicate folds of his monastic attire, has been crafted with the utmost care and devotion by the master artisans of the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal. These craftsmen are considered among the best in the world and are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries.

The fine metalworking techniques employed in the creation of this piece have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, ensuring that it is a true masterpiece that embodies both artistic excellence and profound spiritual significance. The 24-karat gold gilding lends an air of sacred majesty to the sculpture, evoking the enlightened presence of the revered Karmapa.

This sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a captivating representation of the 5th Gyalwa Karmapa, radiating with the wisdom and compassion that defined his life and teachings.