The sculptural arts are treasured as a way of energizing visualization of oneself as an archtype Buddha. These icons are made of ‘mind’, gems, metal, wood, clay, dough and butter. The most common material used to create sculpture is metal, usually bronze, which is often gilded as well as some mixed metals. Some of the finest work of Tibetan bronze sculpture exhibit high levels of technical skill. Often color is added by including inlays, partial gilding, lacquer paint, coloured wax and using alloys with different metal mixtures. Lost wax casting was typically used to create individual pieces which are then joined together. Tsa tsa’s are small relief plaques or miniature chortens made in clay molds or rammed earth.
