Je Tsongkhapa Statue Set | 12.5-inch | Fire Gilded in 24K Gold

With Je Tsongkhapa rising to 12.5 inches at the center, this Je Tsongkhapa Statue Set has the scale and presence of a formal Gelug lineage shrine ensemble. Gyaltsab Je and Khedrub Je flank their teacher at 10.75 and 10.5 inches respectively, creating a deliberate stepped hierarchy while preserving strong symmetry across the three figures. Fine ornamental engraving enriches the layered monastic robes, and each master rests in full lotus posture upon an individually finished lotus throne with raised petal work and decorative borders. The brilliant 24K gold fire-gilded surfaces are balanced by blue-black painted hair and separately rendered facial expressions, giving each teacher a distinct character within the unified composition. Handmade in Patan, Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the trio is completed with faces hand painted in 18K gold and natural pigments.

Je Tsongkhapa Statue Set | Master and Two Principal Disciples

Je Tsongkhapa, also called Je Rinpoche, was the great scholar and teacher whose work became the foundation of the Gelug tradition. He is traditionally revered as an emanation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. His principal disciples continued the lineage after his death: Gyaltsab Je became the second Ganden Tripa, followed by Khedrub Je as the third. In the traditional arrangement, Gyaltsab Je appears to Tsongkhapa’s right, the viewer’s left, while Khedrub Je appears to Tsongkhapa’s left, the viewer’s right. Together they form one of the most recognizable Gelug lineage groupings. Learn more about Je Tsongkhapa and the Gelug tradition.

Dharmachakra and Vitarka Mudras

Tsongkhapa displays the Dharmachakra mudra before his heart, symbolizing the turning of the Wheel of Dharma and his role as a great teacher. Two lotus stems rise beside his shoulders. The lotus over his right shoulder supports Manjushri’s sword of wisdom, while the lotus over his left holds the Prajnaparamita scripture. These two attributes visually express the wisdom tradition with which Tsongkhapa is closely associated.

Gyaltsab Je and Khedrub Je each display the Vitarka mudra with the right hand while supporting a small scripture in the open left palm at the lap. Their parallel postures create symmetry around the central teacher while their individually painted faces distinguish the two masters. Their importance within the historical lineage and traditional three-figure presentation is explored further in our guide to Tsongkhapa’s two principal disciples.

Je Tsongkhapa Statue Set | Engraving and Lotus Thrones

A defining artistic feature of this set is the extensive engraving throughout the monastic garments. Fine scrolling motifs, patterned textile panels and decorative borders appear across the chest, sleeves, lap and lower robes. The rear photograph of Tsongkhapa also reveals widely spaced ornamental motifs across the back together with more intricate engraving along the robe borders. The three lotus thrones repeat a coordinated design with broad raised lotus-petal carvings, beaded upper borders and finely engraved lower registers. A vajra motif is additionally engraved on the rear of each lotus throne, adding a meaningful Vajrayana detail when the statues are viewed from behind.

The photographed statues are presented without hats, leaving their blue-black painted monastic hair visible. Gold-gilded Gelug pandita hats associated with the “Yellow Hat” tradition can be included upon request, allowing the trio to be displayed in the familiar formal Gelug presentation while retaining the coordinated gilded finish of the set.

Filling and Consecration in Kathmandu, Nepal

For practitioners preparing the trio for devotional use, traditional statue filling, blessing and consecration in Kathmandu, Nepal can be arranged before shipment. Mantra rolls, sacred texts and other appropriate consecration substances may be placed within the hollow copper-alloy figures before they are sealed and ritually blessed. Preparing all three statues together preserves the devotional unity of Je Tsongkhapa, Gyaltsab Je and Khedrub Je as a complete Gelug lineage set.

Custom Tibetan Buddhist Statues

Collectors, monasteries and Dharma centers seeking another scale or finish may also commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handmade in Nepal. A custom Tsongkhapa trio can be produced with coordinated proportions, matching robe engraving, compatible lotus-throne designs and traditional finishes. Options can include alternate dimensions, full or partial 24K gold fire gilding and gold-gilded Gelug pandita hats while preserving the established iconography and arrangement of Je Tsongkhapa with his two principal disciples.