Rix Enchères

Tsa tsa dojre drakpo

This is a large Tsa-tsa amulet or devotional plaque from Tibet, dating to the 17th-18th century. It is an example of a Dorje Dragpo (Tib. rdo rje drag po), a wrathful manifestation of the important Buddhist master Padmasambhava. This Tsa-tsa belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
​The plaque is a meditation aid, a "protector of the Dharma," and a "destroyer of obstacles on the path to enlightenment." It is a rare depiction of Dorje Dragpo, as its iconography does not correspond to the classical representation, which, for instance, includes a scorpion among the attributes.
​The central figure (1) is Dorje Dragpo, a wrathful deity in a dynamic, powerful pose, surrounded by a halo of flames. Above him is a seated figure of a Lama (3), likely the source of the plaque's lineage. Below the Lama, on the left, is Padmasambhava (2) in a peaceful form. On the right is a standing figure, possibly Singyey Raksha Thotheng (4).
​The lower section of the plaque features three figures. On the left (8), there is Rahula, the "God of Planets," a deity from the charnel ground. In the center (7), a standing figure is likely Ekajati, a protectress of the Nyingma school. On the right (6), a figure riding a lion is probably Dorje Legpa, another protector. Small, seated figures (5) are also present, one on each side of the central deity.
​This Tsa-tsa measures 16.8 cm in height and is a substantial piece, reflecting its importance as a personal devotional object. Its unique iconography and make it a significant and rare artifact of Tibetan tantric art.

17-18th c
Tibet
16.8cm high