Tibetan Monastery Plaque Depicting Deity

Hammered from behind, one blow at a time, until a deity pushed through.

This monastery plaque depicting a deity comes from Tibet and dates to the 18th century, in gilded and repousse copper. Repousse means working a sheet of metal from the reverse, and Tibetan monasteries used such panels to adorn shrines, doors and sacred architecture. The figure kneels in an active pose with both arms raised, its round belly and calm face standing well forward. Curling flames rise at each side, and the background is pierced in places. Gilding covers the figure, thinning to bare copper at the margins. Small holes mark the edges. It measures just over 14 inches wide and 13.75 high.

Even at rest, it does not look still.