Qing Dynasty Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze figure of seated Buddha figure of Patron King Songtsen Gampo, the forefather of Buddhism in Tibet. With masculine appearance, gazed forward, serene face beneath elaborate crown. Dressed in luminous robes, and armor. His left hands supported the body weight pressed the rectangular seat, right hand extended above the right knee. Seated in royal ease position upon a rectangular seat with cabriole pedestal. Extensive trace of gilt, with blue pigment on hair. The underside with incised quatrefoil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi. Two generations before King Trisong Detsen invited Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava to Tibet, King Songtsen Gampo cultivated the nation for its transformation, clearing pathways for the dharma to enter and ultimately permeate Tibetan culture. Without Songsten Gampo there would be no Tibetan alphabet, Lhasa would have no Jokang, and the supreme demoness of Central Tibet might still be roaming the earth unfettered. King Songtsen Gampo is considered a human emanation of Avalokiteshvara, and he was the grandfather of King Trisong Detsen. Songtsen Gampo meditated for several years in a cave that is now at the core of Potala palace, and is revered for his great patronage of Buddhism. Through his enlightened leadership, the path was cleared for the dharma to be propagated throughout the provinces, and for Buddhism to flourish.