Material: Iron. Copper

Size: Approx. 2.5 cm

Narrative:

Tsatsa (Tibetan: ཚག་ཚག་, Tsatsa) is a very important and sacred religious statue in Tibetan Buddhism, usually a small clay Buddha statue or pagoda-shaped sculpture. It has a profound historical origin and embodies the integration of Tibetan culture and Buddhist beliefs.

The origin of rubbing

The origin of Tsa Tsa can be traced back to the period when Indian Buddhism was introduced to Tibet. In order to facilitate the circulation of Buddha statues, early Indian monks and practitioners used simple materials such as clay and plaster to make tsa-tsa, which were easy to carry and convenient for worship or as a tool for spiritual practice. After the technique and form of Tsa Tsa were introduced into Tibet along with Buddhism, they gradually took root in local culture and evolved into a unique art form.

When making tsa tsa, Tibetan monks usually use blessed molds and mix clay or other materials with a small amount of the deceased's ashes or spiritual soil to give the tsa tsa special religious meaning. Each tsa-tsa may contain images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, mandalas or scriptures inside or on its surface.