Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 11" The 7th Karmapa - Chödrag Gyatso Dorje Statue

The 7^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Chödrag Gyatso Statue

 The Seventh Gyalwa Karmapa – Chödrag Gyatso {1454 – 1506}

The Seventh Karmapa, Gyalwa Chödrag Gyatso, was born to a family of tantric practitioners in Treschöd, East Tibet, the same place where His Holiness the First Karmapa was born. According to the Tibetan Buddhist Resource Center, Chödrag Gyatso was born in Göda Chinang, which is situated in Kham, East Tibet. His father’s name was Dragpa Päldrub, and his mother’s name was Lhamo Kyi. While still in the womb of his mother, he was heard saying “Ama-la,” which means “mother” in Tibetan. At birth, he spoke, “AH HUNG,” the Sanskrit mantra that symbolizes the indivisibility of emptiness and luminosity. When he was five months old, it is reported that he said, "There is nothing in the world but emptiness." He then blessed ten thousand people at Arik Thang, where he had once taught during his life as the Sixth Karmapa.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture beautifully depicts the 7th Gyalwa Karmapa, Chödrag Gyatso, 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 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, considered among the best in the world, are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for temples and monasteries.

The fine metalworking techniques employed in creating this piece have been passed down through generations since ancient times, ensuring that it is a true masterpiece embodying 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.