Footnotes

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 in the 1980s
Private Collection, USA, acquired in 2003