This superbly worked gilt figure represents the great Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava. Known as Guru Rinpoche (“precious teacher”) in Tibet and Bhutan, he is said to have introduced Buddhism to Tibet from India in the 8th or 9th century.
Padmasambhava sits upon a splendid lotus throne with all his attributes: in his right hand he holds a vajra, and in his left a skull bowl. Resting in the crook of his left arm is his sceptre topped by a trident above carved skulls. Inset with turquoise, his finely worked headpiece shows the sun and moon at the front as symbols of the cosmic unity embodied by Padmasambhava