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Pagpa Lokeshvara: A Unique Sculptural Form

Avalokiteshvara, Arya Lokeshvara (Tibetan: pag pa chen re zi. English: the Noble All Seeing Lord) commonly referred to in English as Pagpa Lokeshvara. This is a unique sculptural form of Avalokiteshvara which is believed to have its origins in the famous Pagpa Lokeshvara statue of the Red Fort of Marpo-ri, later to be known as the Potala Palace of Lhasa, Tibet. There are many versions of this sculpture in both wood and ivory found in collections around the world. One of the largest of these sculptures is from Kyirong in Southern Tibet, now housed in Dharamsala, India. Another large sculpture with a full torana is in a palace chapel in Mustang, Nepal.


Ian Alsop in his article Phagpa Lokes'vara of the Potala identifies and provides images for over 17 of these unique forms. Since the publishing of the article many more have been identified in other collections.


(For additional information see Phagpa Lokes'vara of the Potala by Ian Alsop. Orientations, 1990).