Gilded copper plate ‘Dhritarashtra’, Tibet, 17th century

Rectangular plate of embossed copper, covered with gold leaf. It shows the deity in the centre, seated, legs bent, surrounded by two elongated, curling ribbons flying beside him. He is dressed in an exquisite traditional robe, with embroidered details of flowers and ruyis, and a fine lotus wreath is placed on his head, framed by a border of sinuous flames. Her expression is serene, with thin eyebrows above which the third eye of illumination is set, open eyes, a broad nose and thick, narrowed lips. In his hands he holds a traditional stringed instrument, known as a ‘Pipa’, which he strums subtly with his fingers. It shows wear and tear due to ageing. 

Size: 26 x 10 x 45.6 cm

Weight: 1150 g

Provenance: 

- European private collection.