The special esteem in which this tsa tsa was evidently held is evident in its custom-made case. The precisely fitted box, crafted in modern times, was tailored exactly to the much older tsa tsa and was intended to protect it from damage.
Also noteworthy is the box’s unique design: It cannot be opened in the conventional manner, but only by sliding specific parts of the cladding. The elaborate, custom-made construction and the deliberately restricted access suggest that the Tsa Tsa was stored with particular care and respect.
This very old tsa tsa depicts the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, seated on a single-tiered lotus throne.
In his right hand, he holds his flaming sword of insight, with which he severs the roots of ignorance. In Tibetan Buddhism, ignorance is one of the three fundamental evils of humanity. Manjushri’s struggle against ignorance therefore plays a prominent role in the Buddha’s teachings. All suffering on this earth can be traced back to at least one of these negative qualities.
Originally, a Buddhist text was supposed to have been held in his left hand. However, this area has been so severely worn down by age that the attribute is no longer clearly recognizable today.
To the right and left of Manjushri are two small stupas, connected to the central figure by fine lines.
The heavily weathered inscription, which is now largely illegible, may exhibit characteristics of a script used in India from approximately the 8th to the 12th century: the »Kutila« script. The Tibetans refer to it as Lantsha and use it as a decorative script on Buddhist inscriptions and the title pages of Buddhist works. Due to its poor state of preservation, the script can now only be partially deciphered.
Condition: The signs of age are clearly visible on this tsa-tsa. Manjushri’s face and his left hand are slightly worn, and the right side of the single-tiered lotus throne shows damage. However, the raised frame has largely protected the tsa tsa from further damage.
| Age Determination |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 2.5 x 2.4 x 1.5" | 6.4 x 6.0 x 3.8 cm |
| Price: | 324 $ | 290 € |
| Shipment: | Parcel Service from Germany |
| Material: | Burned Clay |
| Age: | 11th - 12th cent. |
| High resolution: | Display [0.9 MB, 2155 x 2256 px.] |
| Inquiry / Order | |
