British Museum Top 20 Buddhism 18 Milarepa [24 of 26]
18. Milarepa – Tibet, 18C AD or earlier, 12.8cm high. Milarepa ('the cotton clad', 1052-1135) is one of the most loved saints of Tibet. He is especially remembered for the huge number of songs he composed. He is considered a founder of the Kargyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism, though he himself was a disciple of Marpa. In this bronze image he is recognized by the right hand held up to his ear, indicating that he is reciting one of his celebrated poems or songs.