Repousse copper figure of Padmasambhava. Tibet, 19th century.

Height 21 cm; 23.5 cm with the vara; width 13 cm

This exquisitely detailed repoussé copper statue depicts Padmasambhava, the legendary tantric mystic credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet. Padmasambhava is seated in lalitasana—the "royal relaxation" position—and exudes an aura of importance and authority. He holds a vajra, a stylized representation of lightning. His elaborate robes feature exquisite floral motifs, a testament to the high level of technical expertise required to craft this devotional object. He is also depicted with several attributes associated with exorcism, including a khatvanga (magic staff) and a crown topped with a crow's feather.

Padmasambhava is often depicted with these objects because of his role in defeating demons that were hindering the construction of a Buddhist monastery. In 747, King Trisong Detsen invited Padmasambhava to Tibet from Uddiyana, a region located in present-day Pakistan. The mystic is said to have driven away demons that were threatening the construction of Samye Monastery, one of the first and most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. He also helped mediate the conflict between the indigenous religion and Buddhism, integrating local deities into the Buddhist pantheon as protective deities and thus promoting the spread of Buddhism in the region. He is also known for translating numerous Indian texts into Tibetan and for leaving secret writings intended for his followers to discover. Padmasambhava is closely associated with the Nyingma school, one of the oldest traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, which traces its origins to Samye Monastery. Followers of this school revere Padmasambhava as the "Second Buddha," recognizing him as one of the founding figures of the Buddhist faith.

PROVENANCE
Donna Barnathan Aroni dei Conti Camondo Collection