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  • Writer's pictureCabinet Gauchet Art Asiatique
    • Jun 5
    • 3 min read

The mysterious Tibetan bronzes

Tibet, known as the ‘roof of the world’, is a high plateau in Central Asia, renowned for its rich culture and profound spiritual heritage. Among the region's most precious treasures are its Buddhist statues, which bear witness to a thousand-year-old religious tradition and exceptional artistic mastery.


Gilded bronze sculpture of Hayagriva, Tibet, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, sold for €21,000


Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century under King Songtsen Gampo, who married Buddhist princesses from Nepal and China. These marriages helped to introduce Buddhist ideas and practices to the region. Early Tibetan Buddhist statues were influenced by Indian and Nepalese artistic styles, reflecting the cultural connections of the time.


Tibetan Buddhist statues vary considerably in style and size. They can be made of bronze, gold, wood, clay or stone, and range from small portable figurines to colossal sculptures several metres high. Tibetan artists follow strict iconographic canons, dictated by religious texts, which determine the postures, gestures (mudras), attributes and expressions of the divinities represented.



The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the form of Padmapani, the lotus bearer, bronze and turquoise, Tibet, 14th century, now at the MET in New York.


The most common statues include Shakyamuni Buddha, the Medicine Buddha (Bhaisajyaguru), and Bodhisattvas such as Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig in Tibetan), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, often depicted with a thousand arms and a thousand eyes. Another popular figure is Tara, the goddess of compassion and action.


Tibetan monasteries have long been centres of artistic production, where monk-artists received rigorous training. The Tashilhunpo monastery in Shigatse, founded by the first Dalai Lama in 1447, is famous for its monumental statues. Samye monastery, the first Buddhist monastery established in Tibet, is another historic centre for the production of Buddhist statues.



26.2 metre high Maitreya Buddha in the Tashilhunpo monastery in Shigatsé, Tibet


The techniques used to create the statues include lost-wax casting for metal statues, a method that allows for extremely fine detail and great durability. Wooden and clay statues are often polychrome, decorated with vivid paintings and gilding, reflecting the vibrant aesthetic of Tibetan Buddhism.


Buddhist statues are not simply works of art; they are objects of veneration and meditation. Each statue is designed to embody the spiritual qualities of the deity it represents, serving as a focal point for devotion and religious practice. Devotees believe that once consecrated, the statues become receptacles for the blessings and spiritual presence of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.


The consecration of a statue is a complex ritual involving prayers, mantras and offerings. This process is crucial, as it ‘awakens’ the statue, enabling it to serve as a spiritual support. Pilgrims and devotees often circumambulate the statues, adorning them with khatas (silk scarves) and making offerings to accumulate merit and receive blessings.


Gilded bronze sculpture of a seated lama, Sino-Tibet, 18th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon, sold for €13,000


The Buddhist statues of Tibet are silent witnesses to the history and spirituality of this unique region. Their artistic beauty and profound religious significance continue to inspire generations of devotees and admirers. By understanding the history and significance of these statues, we can better appreciate Tibet's rich cultural heritage and the timeless wisdom of Buddhism.


These refined and symbolic sculptures are testimony to an ancient and precious art. Cabinet Gauchet Asian Art specialises in the appraisal and valuation of Asian works of art, including Tibetan bronzes. Our team of passionate and experienced experts is at your disposal to help you determine the authenticity, value and origin of your pieces.




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