Page 64 - Bonhams IMages of Devotion, Hong Kong Nov 30 2022

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A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF THE FIRST PANCHEN LAMA, LOBSANG
CHOKYI GYALTSEN
TIBET, 17TH CENTURY
The back of the base with Tibetan inscription, translated: ‘Salutation to Lobsang
Chokyi Gyalsten Pel Zangpo, Omniscient Panchen, Lord of the Three Realms.’
Himalayan Art Resources item no. 4705
11.5 cm (4 1/2 in.) high
HKD200,000 - 300,000

西藏 十七世紀 一世班禪羅桑確吉堅贊銅像

The present sculpture depicts Lobzang Chokyi Gyaltsen (1567 or 1570 - 1662),
the First Panchen Lama, identified by the inscription on the back of the cushion.
Clad in the robes of a Tibetan layman showing remnants of cold gold painted on
the face and arms, the Panchen Lama is distinguishable by his narrow face, large
ears, and cranial protuberance at the back of his head. As a principal spiritual
leader in Tibet of the 17th century, his portrayal is remarkably modest.

The prominence of the First Panchen Lama grew out of the religiopolitical role
he held in Tibet, conducting both spiritual empowerments and diplomatic affairs
alike. From the age of 31, he served as the abbot of many monasteries including
Tashilhunpo, Wensa, and Gangchen Chopel. Moreover, his diplomatic strategies
within Tibet, particularly in the conflicts between Shigatse and Lhasa, as well
as amidst Mongolian invasions and Tibetan-Bhutanese affairs, attested to his
adeptness in political negotiation. He also served as the tutor for the Fifth Dalai
Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-82), who later established the Gelug Line
of Panchen incarnations.

Several portraits of Lobzang Chokyi Gyaltsen exist today in both painting and
sculpture. A similar example to the present bronze, sold at Bonhams, New York,
23 September 2021, lot 1201, shows a likeness through his balding head, his
crisp, upper eyelids, his high cheek bones, narrow chin, and protruding ears.

Published
David Weldon, Homage to the Holy. Portraits of Tibet’s Spiritual Teachers, London
2003, no. 45
Exhibited
Homage to the Holy – Portraits of Tibet’s Spiritual Teacher, London (6 - 28
November 2003)
Provenance
Private Collection, Belgium, acquired 1980s
Private Collection, USA, acquired 2003

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