Seated Statue of King Songtsen Gampo (松贊干布坐像)

Songtsen Gampo was the first emperor of a united Tibet, established in 7th century. He created the Tibetan written language. He was also a strong proponent of Buddhism and was regarded as the reincarnation of the Buddhist saint Avalokiteshvara. The statue of Songtsen Gampo measures 38 centimeters tall. Sitting on a round cushion in deep meditation, Songtsen Gampo is clothed in a large robe with lapels and wears a wrapped hat on top of which hides a small statue Amitabha, the characteristic image of Songtsen Gampo.