5th Karmapa "Deshin Shekpa" Spiritual Sculpture | Beacon of Compassionate Guidance
5th Karmapa "Deshin Shekpa" Spiritual Statue Sculpture measures 8.66”/22cm in height with a 5.9”/15cm base and weighs 1.7 kg. Handcrafted in Nepal from an oxidized copper body, the sculpture features a deep, naturally darkened finish that brings definition to the hand-worked surface, while detailed acrylic painting adds subtle contrast and refinement. The balanced proportions and traditional metal craftsmanship reflect the skill of Nepalese artisans and the enduring character of Himalayan Buddhist sculpture. Spiritually, the figure represents an important lineage master of the Karma Kagyu tradition, associated with the transmission of Buddhist teachings, meditation practice, and the preservation of the Karmapa lineage.
This sculpture depicts the 5th Karmapa, Deshin Shekpa, seated in a composed posture on a simple square pedestal. He is portrayed wearing the distinctive Karmapa black crown, decorated with raised ornamental details and topped with a tiered finial. His calm yet focused expression features finely defined eyes, brows, nose, and lips. His hands are crossed over the chest in a vajra-style gesture, while his layered monastic robes fall naturally around the body and legs, with finely engraved borders and flowing folds. Two lotus stems rise beside his shoulders, each supporting a stylized lotus blossom, adding balance to the composition. The statue is finished in a dark oxidized copper tone, with carefully carved facial features, crown ornamentation, robe patterns, lotus forms, and pedestal details reflecting traditional Nepalese metal craftsmanship.
Size: 8.66”/22cm (Height) x 5.9”/15cm (Base)
Weight: 1.7 kg
Material: Oxidized Copper Body, Acrylic Painting
5th Karmapa Deshin Shekpa originated in Tibet. He was born in 1384 in the Nyang Dam region of southern Tibet and became the fifth holder of the Karmapa lineage within the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. He is especially remembered for his role in preserving and transmitting the Karma Kagyu teachings and for his historic relationship with the Ming emperor Yongle.
