Dharmapala Thangka CentreTibetan Antiques


Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara Tsa Tsa

Cittavishramana Khasarpani

Lotus Flower Single layered Lotus Throne Inscription Back

This rare tsa tsa shows a special form of the two-handed Avalokiteshvara [»Cittavishramana Khasarpani«]. In Sanskrit translation, this form is referred to by Tibetans as »Chen-resig Semnyid Ngalso«, »The Chenresig who dwells in a relaxed state of mind«.

Dressed in typical bodhisattva garb, Avalokiteshvara is seated on a single layered lotus throne in the flexible pose of of »Rajalilasana«, or »royal ease« with one leg raised and arm casually draped [a typical bodhisattva sitting position]. His right hand is in the gesture of generosity, the main gesture of Avalokiteshvara. His left hand, holding the lotus above his shoulder, is relaxed behind his bent right leg. The typical, only slightly accentuated posture supports the casual aura.

This Avalokiteshvara [Tibetan: »spyan ras gzigs«, སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས] Tsa Tsa comes from the region of Tsaparang, Guge, Tholing in western Tibet [about 1000 km west of Lhasa].

In India, Avalokiteshvara is often referred to as »Padmapani«, »he who holds the lotus in his hand«. Usually depicted with a lotus as his most recognisable feature, he has become known in Tibet in various forms, most notably under the name Chenresig [Skt. Avalokiteshvara].

The inscription on the left suggests a script similar to the Indian »Kutila"« script used from the 8th to the 12th century.

The Tsa Tsa impression is very well preserved, there are no abrasions except for a small area on the nose. The left arm has a small crack which is not continuous.

Condition: Considering its age, this example is in relatively good condition. The outer edge of the tsa tsa is not completely preserved, but the actual impression is excellent. Only a small area around the Bodhisattva's nose is slightly rubbed off. There is also a small tear in his left arm which does not run through.


PropertyValue
Measurements: 3 x 2.8 x 1.4" | 7.6 x 7.2 x 3.6 cm
Price: 331 $ | 295 €
Shipment: Parcel Service from Germany
Material: Burned Clay
Age: 10th - 11th Cent.
High resolution: Display [0.6 MB, 2023 x 2073 px.]
Preservation: History 
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