Hand Made Gold Gilded Copper Alloy and Hand Painted Face 10.5" The 10th Karmapa - Chöying Dorje Statue

The 10^th Gyalwa Karmapa – Chöying Dorje  Statue

 The Tenth Gyalwa Karmapa – Chöying Dorje {1604 – 1674}

The Tenth Gyalwa Karmapa, Chöying Dorje, was born in the year of the wood-dragon in the district of Golok, the farthest north-eastern region of Tibet, just as the Ninth Karmapa had predicted in his letter. Simhanada wrote that he “took seven steps in each of the cardinal directions at birth.” His father’s name was Khyethar, and his mother’s name was Atso. The boy was given the name Ogyen Khyab. Chökyi Wangchug recognized his former Root Guru, enthroned Ogyen Khyab with the Black Vajra Crown as the Tenth Gyalwa Karmapa, and gave him the entire Kagyü Lineage transmissions and teachings. He did not come to be known by the name Chöying Dorje until he was fully ordained at the age of 40.

By the time he was 6 years old, Ogyen Khyab was a much better painter than his teachers. He was also an extremely gifted sculptor. But, he saw the chaos of the times – he saw that political tension was growing and that his homeland would become entrenched in havoc and wars. He understood in advance that ambitious parties would call on the Mongolian armies to help them attain political supremacy on the peaceful plateau in the Land of the Snow.

About this Sculpture

This exquisite sculpture is a beautiful depiction of the 10th Gyalwa Karmapa – Chöying 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 sense of 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 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 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.