This rare tsa tsa shows a special form of the two-handed Avalokiteshvara [»Cittavishramana Khasarpani« - Tib.: »spyan ras gzigs«, སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས]. 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 tier lotos 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 is relaxed behind his bent right leg. The typical, only slightly accentuated posture supports the casual aura.
The inscription on the left suggests a script similar to the Indian »Kutila"« script used from the 8th to the 12th century.
Its early date of origin is also supported by its unusually solid construction. Early tsa tsas were often made with thick walls to ensure sufficient stability despite the sometimes deeply carved reliefs. It was not until the 15th century that Tibetan artisans increasingly succeeded in producing thinner and flatter tsa tsas without compromising their stability.
Further evidence of its presumed great age comes from a comparison with a tsa-tsa published in a Chinese scholarly journal. The similarities pertain in particular to the iconographic depiction of Avalokiteshvara, the figure’s design, the simple lotus throne, and the execution and arrangement of the delicate inscription. The comparable piece published there is dated to the 12th cent.
Of course, this comparison does not constitute independent evidence for dating this Tsa Tsa, but it does provide an interesting stylistic and formal point of reference. Click the link below to view the description and image of the comparable piece.
Condition: The object shows some age-related wear. A portion of the surface on the right edge of the tsa tsa has chipped off. Originally, a lotus flower was visible here. The relief impression itself remains relatively fine and well defined in most areas. Minor abrasion can be observed in a few very small areas of the face and on the lotus throne. Overall, the relief retains a considerable amount of its original detail.
| Desciption in a Chin. Academic Publication |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 2.6 x 2.2 x 0.9" | 6.5 x 5.5 x 2.3 cm |
| Price: | 268 $ | 240 € |
| Shipment: | Parcel Service from Germany |
| Material: | Burned Clay |
| Age: | 11th Cent. |
| Origin: | Ruins of the Manang Monastery, Zanda District, West Tibet, Regierungsbezirk Ngari |
| High resolution: | Display [0.5 MB, 1914 x 2128 px.] |
| Inquiry / Order | |
