An antique Sino Tibetan gilt bronze sculpture of Guru Padmasambhava Bodhisattva featuring a cast figure from the late Qing Dynasty China, for local markets. The piece has a dark gilt finish. The sculpture has rich details and wear commensurate with age. Dates to the early 20th century. Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, was an Indian tantric master who played a major role in bringing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century. The subject of many myths and legends, little is known about him historically. During the reign of King Trisong Detsen, Padmasambhava helped establish the country's first Buddhist monastery in Samye and he is considered the founder of the Nyingma school, the oldest of the four major traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. In addition to his historical role, Padmasambhava is an important symbol of enlightenment in the Dzogchen teachings of the Nyingma lineage, and his image is often visualized as an object of meditation. Antique Asian Oriental Bronze Religious Sculptures and Collectibles.