Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 10.75" The 5th Karmapa - Deshin Shekpa Statue

The 5^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Deshin Shekpa Statue

 The Fifth Gyalwa Karmapa – Deshin Shegpa {1384 – 1415}

The Fifth Gyalwa Karmapa, Deshin Shegpa, was born in Nyangdam in the Kongpo region of South Tibet to tantric practitioners. His father’s name was Guru Rinchen, and his mother’s name was Lhamo Kyi. While awaiting the birth of their child, it is said that they heard mantras and the Sanskrit alphabet being recited in Lhamo Kyi’s womb. Their baby sat upright when it was born, wiped his face, recited the sacred mantra of ‘Phagpa Chenrezig, and proclaimed, “I am the Karmapa.” The parents brought their child to Tsawaphu in Kongpo, and the Lineage-holder, Khachö Wangpo, recognized the boy as the reincarnation of Rölpe Dorje, the Fourth Gyalwa Karmapa. When he was 11 or 12 years old, he was brought to Tsurphu Monastery and ordained at Chogde Düngang as the Fifth Gyalwa Karmapa. He received all the belongings he had in his last life as the Fourth Karmapa. He also received the full cycle of the Kagyü empowerments and teachings. Deshin Shegpa completed his traditional training with ease.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture is a beautiful depiction of the 5th Gyalwa Karmapa – Deshin Shekpa, 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 the Karmapa's 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 sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a captivating representation of the 5th Gyalwa Karmapa, radiating with the wisdom and compassion that defined his life and teachings.