Object Details
Catalogue Note
Dimensions: H 44 × W 28 cm | Weight: 2.3 kg | Material: polychrome carved wood | Attribution: Tibet/Himalaya, 17th–early 18th century
An important carved wooden lama figure identified as Karma Pakshi (1204–1283), the second Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu lineage. The black crown, moustached face and ritual vajra support this identification.
Iconography
The lama sits in vajraparyankasana wearing the Black Crown with sun-and-moon symbolism and holds a vajra in the raised right hand. The deeply cut robes create a strong sculptural rhythm around the seated figure.
Attribution and condition
The work is attributed to the 17th–early 18th century, with Ladakh/Tibetan-Himalayan associations. The base remains closed by an old wooden plate with aged sealing material. Polychromy shows wear, old insect activity and historic repairs; these condition features are preserved and documented.
Iconography and Context
The object’s form, material and surviving surface are best understood together. Its complete image sequence records the silhouette, construction and decorative details from multiple viewpoints.
Condition and Display
The carved polychrome carved wood | retains visible grain, tool-work and naturally varied colour. The 12 photographs document the carving, profiles, reverse and age-related surface character as part of the condition assessment.
