bronze lama seated on rectangular base; PR hand holding edge of robe; PL hand resting palm up on knee; underside of base consists of copper insert; black patina

Portrait of a lama (teacher), 16th century

Unknown artist, expand_more

bronze, copperexpand_more

Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more  2000.209.7

In Tibetan Buddhism, monastic sects developed around the concept of a spiritual hero, or arhat, who demonstrated modes of following the path of the Buddha in new, and often legendary, ways. Knowledge was transmitted through a succession of lamas (teachers), appointed with the belief that the future leader was the reincarnation of the former. Many arhats or lamas were visualized and venerated in a manner similar to bodhisattvas and the historical Shakyamuni Buddha himself.

Details
Title
Portrait of a lama (teacher)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2000.209.7
Curator Approved

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bronze lama seated on rectangular base; PR hand holding edge of robe; PL hand resting palm up on knee; underside of base consists of copper insert; black patina