This tsa tsa most likely depicts Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen [Tib.: »Blo bzang Chos kyi Rgyal mtshan« - བློ་བཟང་ཆོས་ཀྱི་རྒྱལ་མཚན་]. He was the 4th Panchen Lama of the Gelug tradition and one of the most significant figures in 17th-century Tibetan Buddhism. »Panchen« is the shortened form of »Pandita Chenpo«, meaning »Great Scholar«. He lived from 1570 to 1662. His monastery was Tashi Lhunpo in Shigatse, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Sanggye Yeshe is considered his most important teacher. His great importance was also evident in the fact that even the Great Fifth Dalai Lama [1617–1682] - became his disciple.
It is particularly noteworthy that during his lifetime, Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen was the first lama to officially receive the title »Panchen Lama«. The three previous Panchen Lamas were only later retroactively included in the line of incarnations, which led to the designations »1st Panchen Lama and »4th Panchen Lama«.
The 5th Dalai Lama regarded Lobsang Chökyi Gyaltsen as an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha. After his death, the 5th Dalai Lama began the search for his reincarnation, thereby establishing the tradition of successive Panchen Lama incarnations.
The Panchen Lama sits in the center in the meditation posture [»Dhyanasana«] on a single-layer lotus throne. He wears the typical scholar’s cap [Pandita cap] with visible ear flaps, which clearly identifies the figure as belonging to the Gelug School [»Yellow Hats«]. His hands are joined in his lap in the gesture of meditation [Dhyana-Mudra].
A long »khakkhara« [Buddhist monk’s staff] rises behind his left shoulder. This is an important attribute of traveling monks and symbolizes discipline and protection [see the small photo on the left]. At the top is a metal finial with several rings that produce a distinct clattering sound as he walks - hence the name. This is an important attribute of traveling monks and symbolizes discipline and protection.
Directly below it is a small, multi-tiered stupa, whose details are difficult to discern due to its relatively small size.
On his other side, a large, stylized lotus flower rises, upon which rests a rounded object, possibly a flaming jewel or a vessel.
Originally, the front was gilded. Remnants of the original gilding are still clearly visible in the lower left area.
Condition: Good for its relatively advanced age. There is a small tear along the edge in the upper right corner. Other than that, there is no damage.
| Further descriptions and age determination |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.4" | 4.1 x 4.1 x 1.0 cm |
| Price: | 134 $ | 120 € |
| Shipment: | Parcel Service from Germany |
| Material: | Burned Clay |
| Age: | late 17th early 18thcent. |
| Inquiry / Order | |