A gilt bronze figure of the third Changkya Hutuktu, Rolpai Dorje. He is seated in dhyanasana on a cushion throne, left hand in his lap holding a now missing bowl, the right hand raised, each shoulder flanked by lotus flowers whereupon a sword and a book. Qianlong 1736–1795. Weight 1600 gr. H. 16 cm.
Rolpai Dorje, 1717–1786, was an incarnate, learned and very influential master in the Qing court. He was a trusted advisor of emperor Qianlong, spoke fluent Chinese, Tibetan, Manchu and Mongolian and played a crucial role in the relations between Tibet, China and Mongolia. In addition to his political role, he was also a scholar and translator and oversaw many artistic projects of monasteries and temples. Portraits of the Masters, 2003, 328–329.
The identification of the figure is facilitated by the distinctive lump on his right cheek and iconography that is similar to other identified figures: Bonhams, March 14 2017, lot 3300. Bonhams, June 27 2017, lot 8001.