Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 11.25" The 14th Karmapa - Thegchog Dorje Statue

The 14^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Thekchok Dorje Statue

 The Thirteen Gyalwa Karmapa – Thekchok Dorje {1798 – 1868}

The Fourteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, Thegchog Dorje was born in the village of Zalmo Gang Danang in the district of Kham in East Tibet. It is recorded that on that auspicious winter-day flowers spontaneously blossomed and many rainbows appeared in the sky. His father’s name was Gonpo Lhadar, and his mother’s name was Sönam Lhamo. Shortly after his birth, he was heard reciting the Sanskrit alphabet. He was recognized and found by Drukchen Kunzig Chökyi Nangwa who had been entrusted with the Thirteenth Karmapa's prediction letter concerning his rebirth. As noted in the Tibetan Buddhist Resource Center, his recognition by Chökyi Nangwa, who gave him the name Thegchog Dorje, was “authenticated through the use of the golden urn when the boy was 18 years old.” His Eminence the Ninth Tai Situpa, Pema Nyingche, enthroned and ordained Thegchog Dorje as the Fourteenth Gyalwa Karmapa and, together with Chökyi Nangwa, imparted the entire Karma Kamtsang Lineage instructions and transmissions to him.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture beautifully depicts the 14th Gyalwa Karmapa, Thekchok 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.