In this superb bronze, finished in lacquer and gold, Padma Sambhava carries the vajra sceptre in his right hand; in his left he holds the skull bowl in which is placed a vase of elixir of immortality. He is seated on a lotus throne which is of one piece with the figure. Held in his left forearm is the Katanga, the adept’s staff, surmounted by the vajra cross, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion, the three heads, (wet, shrunken and skull, symbolizing conquest of the three poisons,) and the trident, symbolizing mastery of the three central channels of the yogic subtle nervous system. He wears a form of adept’s hat unique to him, surmounted by an eagle feather, and immense jewel-ornamented earrings. His robes fall around his solid body with natural ease. His round eyes seem intently fixed, and the broad lips firmly set; the whole _expression is kindly but serious, with curled furrows where the brows come together.

Contrasting with the deep umber of the outermost garment (which is brown to symbolize renunciation,) is the brightness of cold gold used to paint the thoughtful face and graceful hands of Padma Sambhava, the ornate gold earrings and crown, the Tibetan shoes and the edging of the robe which is finely chased with foliate and cloudlike scrolling on a field of tiny circles. The elegant tapered fingers are tipped with rounded fingernails. The long dark hair, painted blue, falls simply down the back, while on either shoulder lie two long tendrils. The design of the robes suggests a richly patterned and pieced fabric.

Inscribed on the back of the throne is the six syllable mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. Sealed on the bottom with an inscribed vajra, indicating that at the completion of the statue a ceremony was held to call the deities, and prayers or relics may have been inserted at that time, whereupon the statue was sealed. This manifestation of Padma Sambhava is imbued with reverence and power contained in a polished, harmonious and exquisitely realized sculptural work.