Crafted in Nepal using the lost-wax method, this copper statue of Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo features a 24k part-gold finish. The robes are finished in a dark chocolate tone with engraved borders, while the skin and ornaments are plated in 24k gold. The face is painted in gold and the hair is black. He holds a scripture in his lap, and a sword rests on a lotus at his shoulder.

“Chöki Zangpo of Rong... was renowned as the supreme mahāpaṇḍita of [Tibet], the land of snow mountains. ... Rongzompa was an unrivalled master of the teaching of the Ancient Translation School.... Because he mastered all doctrines after hearing them just once, without mistaking even a single word, he became known as an emanation of Mañjuśrī.

... When the master Atiśa met this great being, he declared him to be infallible.... Even the great Go Lotsawa [Zhönupel] has praised him saying, ‘In this snowland of Tibet no scholar has appeared who has been his equal.’ This is universally known.”

— Dudjom Rinpoche, The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, pp. 705–709

Details

• Height: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)
• Width: 7 in (18 cm)
• Length/Depth: 5 in (13 cm)
• Base metal: Copper
• Finish: 24k part-gold finishing
• Origin: Nepal
• Artist: Saroj Shakya