Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 11" The 15th Karmapa - Kungzang Khakyab Dorje Statue

The 15^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Kungzang Khakyab Dorje Statue

 The Fifteenth Gyalwa Karmapa – Kungzang Khakyab Dorje {1924 – 1981}

The Fifteenth Gyalwa Karmapa, Kungzang Khakyab Dorje, was born with the very auspicious circle of hair between his eyebrows, which is one of the 32 marks of an enlightened being and was found on young Prince Siddhartha who became Buddha Sakyamuni. Khakyab Dorje spoke the mantra of ‘Phagpa Chenrezig when he was born in the village called Shelkor that is situated in the Tsang Province of Central Tibet. The Buddhist Resource Center recounts that the name of the village where he was born was Gyeltsetul. His father’s name was Nyendrag Wangpo, and his mother’s name was Kelzang Dolma. He was recognized and, when he was 4 years old, enthroned with the Black Vajra Crown of the Gyalwa Kamarpas at Tsurphu Gon in the Tölung Valley, the main seat of the Karmapas in Tibet.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture beautifully depicts the 15th Gyalwa Karmapa, Kungzang Khakyab Dorje. Expertly cast from copper alloy using the revered lost wax method, it is adorned with opulent 24-karat gold gilding. The Karmapa's features are meticulously hand-painted, imbuing the piece with lifelike presence and spiritual radiance.

Every element of the sculpture, from the intricate details of his ornate robes to the delicate folds of his monastic attire, is crafted with utmost care and devotion by the master artisans of the Shakya clan in Patan, Nepal. These craftsmen, 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 used in this piece have been passed down through generations since ancient times, ensuring it is a true masterpiece of 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.