This finely cast and incised gilt bronze figure accurately represents His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama. Seated on a thick square cushion adorned with intricate floral designs, he holds a manuscript in his lap with his right hand resting gently atop it. The figure is dressed in a heavily pleated meditation cloak over voluminous patchwork robes, reflecting the traditional attire associated with the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. His rounded face is marked by an intense gaze, bow-shaped lips, a broad nose, and almond-shaped eyes, capturing the dignified and contemplative expression characteristic of Lobsang Gyatso.

Provenance: From a private collection in New England, United States.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, rubbing to the gilding, casting irregularities, and small nicks. The base resealed.

Weight: 450.9 g
Dimensions: Height 9.6 cm

This gilded sculpture has the Fifth Dalai Lama's likeness of a stout frame, short neck, and round, bald head to which is added a characteristically pursed-lipped, steadfast expression. This portrait emphasizes Lobsang Gyatso's role as a scholar and preserver of wisdom by depicting him holding a sutra in his lap. The meditation cloak that is draped over his shoulders and across his legs has a foliated collar.

Known as the Great Fifth, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682) is one of the most important figures in Tibetan history. With the support of a Mongol army, Gyatso dispossessed his rivals and unified Tibet under his rule and the Gelug order. In addition to being a skilled tactician, the Fifth Dalai Lama was a charismatic diplomat who formed lucrative alliances with the Mongol Khans and the Qing Court. He was also an erudite scholar who studied under Gelug, Sakya, and Nyingma masters and established numerous institutions that promoted the arts and sciences. In 1645, Lobzang Gyatso began construction of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, on the site of the palace of Songsten Gampo (c. 569-649), the founder of the Tibetan Empire (618-842) and Tibet's first 'Dharma King'. During Lobsang Gyatso's lifetime, Lhasa became the holiest pilgrimage site in Central Asia. The sandalwood stupa erected at the Potala Palace to house the Fifth Dalai Lama's remains is considered one of Tibet's great wonders.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Christie’s London, 3 November 2020, lot 69
Price: GBP 18,750 or approx. EUR 29,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A small gilt-bronze figure of the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Losang Gyatso, Tibet, 17th-18th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, modeling, manner of casting, and gilding with similar facial features. Note the size (11.2 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams Hong Kong, 5 October 2020, lot 38
Price: HKD 275,625 or approx. EUR 34,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt copper alloy figure of the fifth Dalai Lama, Ngagwang Lobzang Gyatso, Tibet, circa 1642-1682
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, modeling, manner of casting, gilding, and size (10 cm). Note the identifying inscription along the back of the base.