In the city of Patan, outside of Kathmandu, live the members of the Sakya caste, the caste that the Buddha was born into 2,500 years ago. They are silversmiths and statue makers and since that time their work as metal casters has been in demand in India, Tibet and China. Sakya artisans helped to build the 7th century Jokhang Cathedral in Lhasa and there were Nepalese artists in the Imperial Atelier during the Yuan Dynasty century if not before. Every 10 years in Patan a huge festival is held to bless the statues and artists who make them. For 3 days the streets are lined with life sized statues of the Buddha Matreya all dressed in beautiful silk costumes. The statue makers sit beside their creations while the people give offerings of rice, candies and money. Each statue is regarded as the actual embodiment of wisdom, compassion and the Buddha dharma. We have picked the best we could find.

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		1. Sterling Silver Vajrasattva 2 1/2". Seated on a lotus and holding the bell of wisdom and the dorje of compassion. Made of solid sterling silver, the work is exquisite in its detail. $225.
		2. Gold Plated Lokeswara. Nepal, mid 20th century. 7 1/2" (19 cm.) tall. Standing on a lotus with his hands in the varada mudra, symbolizing charity, compassion and boon granting. In his crown sits an image of Amitayus. Beautifully cast in copper, then plated with gold and inset with four square cut and four round rubies and emeralds. $675.
		3. Silver Tara. Solid silver with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, coral and turquoise. 5 1/2" (14 cm.) high. White Tara seated on a lotus and swan throne with flowing robes, a crown of rubies and emeralds, necklace of sapphire, coral, rubies and emeralds and holding a gilded lotus of coral stones in each hand. A large ruby, 1/4" in diameter, sits in her hair. $1600.
		4. Silver, Gilded and Jeweled Chenresig. Sterling silver with gold plating, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, turquoise, lapis and coral. 8" (20 cm.), 1054 grams (2.32 pounds). Dancing on a lotus throne before a aureole set with rubies in the clouds. His hands hold and ax, banner, bow, bell, lotus, arrow and rope. 3 large rubies are set into the throne which has an image of Garuda at the bottom. Amazing. $4800.
		5. Standing Tara. Copper with emeralds, rubies, lapis lazuli and one pearl. Height 10 1/2" (26 cm.) We bought this 20 years ago in Kathmandu and kept it because it is so beautiful. Wearing an elaborate carved sarong with a ruby clasp, lapis armbands, an emerald necklace and a crown with ruby and emeralds and one single pearl. She is sensuous and serene. SOLD.
		6. Gilded Silver Tara Panel. . Copper repousse over wood, plated with gold and silver and inset with antique Tibetan turquoise and coral stones. Tara is seated in full vajra posture. Around her are arrayed the asta mangala and then there are rows of flowers and jewels. The outer rim consists of dorjes, alternating repousse and coral and turquoise. 18" (46 cm.) square. SOLD.
		7. Bronze Stupa with Four Buddhas. 11 1/2". Nepal, mid-20th century. This is a wonderful, very heavy piece. Four Buddhas sit on a lotus blossom, in different mudras. The rounded part of the stupa serves as a parasol over them, and is also decorated with a ring of small Buddhas. The base has guardian lions at the four corners and medallions of multi-armed deities between them. A naga encircles the base of the lotus. $425.
		8. Jambhala and Consort. Copper, 8". Jambhala is the Buddhist form of the Hindu god of wealth, Kubera. He is fat and covered with jewels and holds a mongoose in one hand and a flaming jewel in the other. In sexual union with his consort he symbolizes the countless pairs of opposites in mundane existance. These are two solid copper statues joined togeher to make one. $475.
		9. Copper Amitayus. 5 1/2". Seated on a lotus, wearing jewels, a crown and flowing robes. He holds a vase containing the three jewels, the Buddha the Dharma and the Sangha. $225.
		10. Copper Travel Buddha. Copper, 3". A small but lovely meditation Buddha, seated in the teaching position on a lotus blossom. Gilded copper with the hair painted in traditional indigo. SOLD.