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A BRASS ALLOY FIGURE OF PAGMODRUPA A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF A KAGYU LAMA
TIBET, 12TH/13TH CENTURY TIBET, CIRCA 13TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.2309 Himalayan Art Resources item no.2314
2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm) high 3 1/2 in. (9.2 cm) high

US$2,000 - 3,000 US$5,000 - 7,000

西藏 十二／十三世紀 帕木竹巴銅像 西藏 約十三世紀 噶舉喇嘛銅像

Pagmodrupa Dorje Gyelpo (1110-70) is one of Tibet’s most charismatic Beginning with Gampopa (lot 3225), important Kagyu lamas were
spiritual leaders, garnering a reputation for being extremely humble and sometimes identified as reincarnations of Shakyamuni, leading to a
generous, whilst observing strict adherence to monastic codes. His common depiction of the hierarch with his hands in bhumisparsha
followers came to regard him as the incarnation of Shakyamuni, leading mudra above a throne marked by a vajra (vajrasana). The three-tiered
to his depiction in painting and sculpture with the signature bhumisparsha base with draped throw is indicative of the 13th century style under
mudra alongside his telltale stout, ovoid physique. the offshots of the Pagdru Kagyu lineage. This is reflected in related
examples published in Rossi & Rossi, Homage to the Holy, London,
He was a precocious young man, traveling throughout Tibet to study 2003, no.14, and sold at Bonhams, New York, 14 March 2016, lot 10.
under masters of the three main traditions: the Nyingma, Kadam, and
Sakya. He received the Sakya’s lamdre teachings from its inspired Published
leader Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (lot 3259). However, Gampopa (lot Portraits of the Masters, pp.186-7, no.42.
3225) ended up being Pagmodrupa’s root teacher.
Published & Exhibited
As a master, Pagmodrupa took after Milarepa, wandering from Monasterios y Lamas del Tibet, p.185, no.136.
hermitage to hermitage, accumulating vast encampments of disciples
who organized themselves into various subsequent sects. Like
Gampopa he spawned numerous prolific pupils. His Pagdru Kagyu
lineage eventually seeded eight offshoots, including the prominent
Taklung, Drikung, and Drukpa Kagyu. Around the site of his death, his
followers erected Densatil monastery, the seat of the Pagdru lineage,
and formerly one of Tibet’s most glorious landmarks.

Published
Portraits of the Masters, pp.178-9, no.37.

Published & Exhibited
Monasterios y Lamas del Tibet, p.169, no.117.

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