Lot 34
SINO-TIBETAN PARCEL-GILT SILVER FIGURE OF NGAWANG LOBSANG GYATSO
QING DYNASTY
Auction: 06 November 2026 from 10:00 GMT
Description
清 局部鎏金銀質第五代達賴喇嘛阿旺洛桑嘉措座像
the Fifth Dalai Lama cast seated on rectangular double cushions detailed with interlinking floral motifs overlaid by a further incised rug, his right hand rested on knee in bhumisparsha, left hand holding manuscripts, dressed in voluminous hemmed robes which fall over the knees onto the base, his face with resolute expression and steady gaze, gilded overall save for the hands and head
Dimensions
10.8cm high; 1336g
Footnote
Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617–1682), the Fifth Dalai Lama, was a pivotal figure in Tibetan political and religious history. Known as the ‘Great Fifth’, he became the first Dalai Lama to exercise both spiritual and secular authority over a unified Central Tibet, with the support of the Mongol leader Gushri Khan. He commissioned the construction of the Potala Palace and the Lukhang temple, and centralized political power in Lhasa, establishing the governmental system that endured in Tibet until 1959.
Compare to a Tibetan inscribed gilt-copper alloy figure of Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, circa 1650-1682, depicted similarly to the present lot, offered at Sotheby's New York, 17 September 2024, lot 307. Also see a small Tibetan gilt-bronze figure of the Fifth Dalai Lama, dated to 17th-18th century, sold at Christie's London, 3 Nov 2020, lot 69. Further compare to a Tibetan inscribed gilt-copper alloy figure of the Fifth Dalai Lama, 17th century, sold at Sotheby's New York, 21 March 2023, lot 101.
Compare to a related fine Tibetan silver figure of perhaps a sa.skya.pa lama, 18th century, sold at Christie's Amsterdam, 21 Nov 2001, lot 131; and a Tibetan parcel-gilt silver figure of an enthroned Lama, ca. 17th century, sold at Bonhams Hong Kong, 5 May 2025, lot 104.