A SILVERED METAL FIGURE OF MARPA LOTSAWA

A SILVERED METAL FIGURE OF MARPA LOTSAWA Tibet, 19th century. Finely cast, seated in dhyanasana atop an animal hide laid over a rectangular pedestal, wearing voluminous robes incised to the hems with geometric motifs. His serene face with arched brows above a gentle smile and long goatee, flanked by pendulous ears with earrings; the hair partially pulled to the top in a high chignon while the rest falls straight down the back. The base sealed and incised with a vajra. Inscriptions: Inscribed to the back in Tibetan, ‘om mani padme hum’ [praise to the jewel in the lotus]. Provenance: From the collection of Taoufik Bendahou, Paris, according to the current owner. LP Collection Paris, France. Taoufik Bendahou (1935-2015) was a Moroccan social security administrator. He studied in Paris, France, and from 1966 to 1987 was the Inspector-General of the National Social Security Fund of Morocco. He later worked in various high functions for the International Labor Organization in Geneva. After his retirement, he lived in France. Condition: Good condition with minor wear and casting flaws. Some rubbing, tiny nicks, minor losses, and light scratches. The base resealed with a tiny section of red fabric poking out. Weight: 96.6 g Dimensions: Height 6.1 cm The present figure displays the stoic expression of a seasoned elder. Resting his hands on his knees, poised like a mountain, with the sumptuous folds of his garment hint at the robust body underneath. Marpa Lotsawa Chokyi Lodoe (1012-1096) was a founder of one of the two Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is credited with the transmission of many Vajrayana teachings from India, including the teachings and lineages of Mahamudra.