Tibetan Gilt Bronze Karmapa

This Tibetan gilt bronze portrait of a Karmapa is seated on high lotus throne with a pendant over his knees. He is wearing patchwork monastic robes that are finely stippled and incised on the borders with floral motifs. He is crowned with a hat of the Kagyu sect. This headdress is adorned with supturned lappets, foliate motifs, and the emblem of the sun and crescent moon. The adoration of Karmapa was often expressed through the production of statuary. Devout worshippers touched the divine images, asking for the Karmapa's protection and mercy in prayer.