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Description

☛ Tsongkhapa: Brief Introduction
Tsongkhapa usually taken to mean “the Man from Onion Valley”, born in Amdo, was a famous teacher of Tibetan Buddhism whose activities led to the formation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is also known by his ordained name Losang Drakpa (Wylie: blo bzang grags pa) or simply as “Je Rinpoche” (Wylie: rje rin po che). Also, he is known by the Chinese as Zongkapa Lobsang Zhaba, He was the son of a Tibetan Longben Tribal leader who also once served as an official of the Yuan Dynasty of China.
In his two main treatises, the Lamrim Chenmo (Wylie: lam rim chen mo) and Ngakrim Chenmo (Wylie: sngags rim chen mo), Tsongkhapa meticulously sets forth this graduated way and how one establishes oneself in the paths of sutra and tantra.

☛ Partly Gold plating.
This Tsongkhapa has a Partly gold-plated finish. Partly fire gold gilding, a common practice in Nepali handicrafts. This technique is skillfully employed by artisans to create intricate designs on various metal objects, including statues, jewelry, and decorative items. Through a process, a mask or resist is applied to safeguard specific areas from the gold plating. The object is then subjected to high temperatures, allowing the gold to beautifully adhere to exposed surfaces using a combination of heat and pressure.
In the realm of Buddhist statues, this technique holds additional significance as it distinguishes the golden-plated body from the oxidized or maroon-painted clothing. This visual separation conveys the contrast between the divine purity of the body and the modest attire symbolizing the humble lifestyle of Buddhist monks. The partly fire gold gilding not only adds exquisite detail and elegance but also embodies the deep cultural and spiritual meaning associated with these treasured artifacts.

☛ Gold Painted Face
The face of Tsongkhapa is painted with gold to enhance its significant features, particularly the eyes, and lips. This detailed painting is essential as it brings forth the crucial attributes of the expression of eyes and lips that metal carving alone cannot capture.
Moreover, the painted face serves as a symbolic and sacred ritual in Buddhism, preparing the statue for consecration and practice. The act of painting the face with gold in Buddhism holds deep meaning. It represents the intention to bring life and expression to the statue, imbuing it with a sense of vitality and presence. The application of gold on the face showcases the devotion and craftsmanship of the artisans, ensuring that every detail is carefully attended to honor the sacred essence of the Tsongkhapa.

☛ About Chocolate Oxidized
This Tsongkhapa has been meticulously treated with a chocolate color antique patina. The intention behind this patina is to replicate the appearance of a copper statue that has gracefully aged over a century. Unlike a simple coat of paint, this patina is not applied superficially and is designed to endure. It undergoes an artificial oxidation process that adds depth and character, while also serving as a protective layer against natural oxidation.
By imitating the natural aging process, the chocolate color antique patina lends an air of authenticity and vintage charm to the Tsongkhapa. This carefully crafted finish ensures that the patina remains intact for an extended period, offering longevity and resistance to wear. The result is a unique piece that captures the essence of a time-worn copper statue, evoking a sense of history and artistic heritage.

☛ Lost-Wax System
This Tsongkhapa is made by the process of the Lost-Wax system. The lost-wax process, also known as investment casting, is a time-honored technique used to create metal sculptures. It involves several steps that have been practiced for thousands of years. Skilled artisans begin by sculpting a detailed wax model, capturing every intricate detail of the desired sculpture. The wax model is then coated with a ceramic shell, formed by multiple layers of ceramic material. Once the shell has cured, the wax is melted and drained out, leaving behind a cavity. Molten metal is poured into the cavity, creating a precise replica of the original wax model. After the metal has cooled and solidified, the ceramic shell is carefully removed, revealing the final metal sculpture.