This powerfully realistic portrait of a Tibetan Buddhist master has been stylistically attributed to Eastern Tibet (Pal 1983 and 1990, pp. 220-221, no. S32; Fisher 1985, p. 112, fig. 75; and Rhie and Thurman 1991, p. 253, no. 89). More recently, it was reattributed to Central Tibet on technical grounds (Reedy 1997, p. 212, no. C199).
The inscription on the back reads, A portrait image for the bedroom of the late Lama Rinpoche Karma Dudtsi. May the image and the relics, made of wood and placed inside, be a blessing, and a way to perfection for father and son, and may it be a holy object especially for other rinpoches and so on. (Translation by H. E. Richardson.)
Richardson notes that, A Karmapa lama named Karma bDud rtsi (Karma Dudtsi) is recorded as having lived in the 16th century. The father and son referred to in the inscription may be the donors, or may be the late lama and his disciple. (Pal 1983 and 1990, p. 326, no. S32.)
The lama sits cross-legged on a cushion. His left hand is in his lap held palm upward in a half-gesture of meditation (ardha dhyana mudra). His right hand lightly grasps his right knee.