A gilt-copper alloy figure of Padmasambhava, Tibet, circa 16th century

Acquired in Hong Kong in the 1990s.

This finely cast portait depicts the legendary Indian pandita Padmasambhava. Known as Guru Rinpoche to Tibetans, and by many other names which reflect his multiple forms, Padmasambhava is credited with establishing Buddhism in Tibet. In the 8th century, the Indian abbot Shantarakshita and the Tibetan chögyal or dharma king Trisong Detsen invited the tantrika Padmasambhava to make the arduous journey to Tibet. Along the way, he encountered and subdued the many local spirits, gods and goddesses and bound them by oath as sworn protectors and protectresses of Buddhism in Tibet. Upon his arrival in Ü province, Padmasambhava subdued the local spirits hindering the construction of Tibet's first monastery, Samye.