Portrait of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama: Famous Sculpture

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 5.5 inches tall in gilt bronze.

This 18th-century gilt bronze portrait depicts Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617-1682), the Fifth Dalai Lama, known simply as "the Great Fifth." He was the first Dalai Lama to assume both spiritual and secular leadership, unifying Central Tibet in 1642 for the first time since the 9th century. He commissioned construction of the Potala Palace in Lhasa and produced more literary output than all other Dalai Lamas combined.

Portrait sculptures of important lamas are central to Tibetan Buddhist practice, serving as focal points for devotion and meditation. This piece captures the seated meditation posture and monastic robes of a high-ranking teacher. At about 5.5 inches, it was likely made for a private shrine. It's at the Art Institute of Chicago, acquired through the Kate S. Buckingham Fund.

He unified Central Tibet in 1642, the first unification since the 9th century. He assumed both spiritual and secular power, commissioned the Potala Palace, and produced more literary output than all other Dalai Lamas combined.

The winter residence of the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, Tibet. The Great Fifth commissioned its construction. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the city and served as both the spiritual and administrative center of Tibet for centuries.

As focal points for devotion and meditation in Tibetan Buddhist practice. Devotees made offerings before these portraits to receive blessings and accumulate spiritual merit. They also preserved the lineage of important teachers.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. About 5.5 inches tall in gilt bronze.

Portrait of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama

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Where to See It

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