Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 10.75" The 4th Karmapa - Rölpe Dorje Statue

The 4^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Rölpe Dorje Statue

 The Fourth Gyalwa Karmapa – Rölpe Dorje {1340 – 1383}

The Fourth Gyalwa Karmapa, Rölpe Dorje, was born at Nöd Ala-rong in the Kongpo Province of Central Tibet. His father’s name was Sönam Döndrub. It is said that while in expectation, his mother, Tsöndru Gyän, heard the sound of the mantra of the Lord of Compassion, ‘Phagpa Chenrezig, being sung in her womb. Sitting up straight when he was born, Rölpe Dorje continued reciting the mantra “OM MANI PADME HUNG.” At the age of 3, he announced that he was the Karmapa and never stopped manifesting the wondrous activities of the Karmapas by continuously working for the benefit of innumerable sentient beings. He could read books spontaneously and receive many profound teachings in his dreams.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture is a beautiful depiction of the 4th Gyalwa Karmapa – Rölpe 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 his 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 exquisite work of art stands as a testament to the enduring skill, artistry, and spiritual legacy of the Shakya clan, whose masterpieces continue to inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.