Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 11" The 9th Karmapa - Wangchuk (Wangchug) Dorje Statue

The 9^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Wangchuk Dorje Statue

 The Ninth Gyalwa Karmapa – Wangchuk Dorje {1555 – 1603}

The Ninth Gyalwa Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje,resumed his commitment to help disciples who wished to attain liberation from the rounds of samsara and out of deep compassion again took on a birth. He was born in the fire-dragon year in Tagtsang in the region of Treschö, East Tibet. His father’s name was Ador and his mother’s name was Lingtselo. His personal names were Namkha Gyalpo and Kongchogwang before he received his ordination name, Pälden Mipham Chökyi Wangchuk. He was heard reciting mantras while in his mother’s womb and sat cross-legged for three days soon after he was born. Like the previous Karmapas, while still a child, he announced that he was the Karmapa. In accordance with the prediction letter left by the Eighth Gyalwa Karmapa, His Eminence the Fourth Tai Situ Rinpoche, Chökyi Gocha, recognized that the 5-year-old boy was the reincarnation of his own Root Guru, the Eighth Karmapa. A year later, the boy was enthroned with the Black Vajra Crown by Kongchog Yanglag, and was given all his belongings from his previous incarnation and the extensive transmissions and teachings of the sacred Kagyü Lineage.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture beautifully depicts the 9th Gyalwa Karmapa, Wangchuk 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 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.