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Third Changkya
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Third Changkya
CHINA; Qing dynasty (1644–1911), dated 1786; Commissioned by Emperor Qianlong; Silver; H: 75 cm; Palace Museum, Beijing, China
Rolpai Dorje was a famous spiritual leader of the Tibetan Gelug school during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) that was recognized as the Third Changkya in 1720. Rolpai Dorje served as Buddhist advisor to Emperor Qianlong (reigned 1736–1795), and this sculpture was made by imperial decree following his death. He is depicted with vividly sculpted facial features and a ritual hood. The realism of his likeness includes the characteristic dimple on his left cheek. He wears a robe with a crossover collar under a kasaya and sits in full lotus position upon a traditional lotus throne, with right hand raised in the vitarka (teaching) mudra. The sculpture is painted with a mixture of gold and silver. |
