TIBET, 14TH-15TH CENTURY

Wearing the patchwork robes of a fully-ordained monk and a meditation cape (known as a “half moon” or zla gam in Tibetan), his right hand in the earth-touching gesture and left in the gesture of meditation atop his legs crossed in vajrasana, this lama is portrayed in a way that demonstrates his commitment to enlightenment. The masterfully-inlaid silver and copper which give distinction to the otherwise-standard monk’s robes are truly mesmerizing elements of this masterwork. Incised ever-so-carefully, the hems on both the lama’s shirt and cape bear beautiful floral designs, which are framed by a beadlike silver edge on either side. Compare the work to a similar silver-inlaid bronze figure of a lama from the Moke Mokotoff collection, sold at Christie's New York 26 September 2023, lot 323, for $11,340.