In the Tibetan language, Rinpoche means “precious one” and is an honorific used to refer to a person, place or thing. As this mask was taking form and coming to life in my hands I sensed a gentle intelligence, a more refined look of calm understanding and spirituality. The shape of the eyes and the colour of the glaze suggested a delicate learned asian male…a monk, or an ascetic living an austere life of contemplation and meditation. The honorific title “Rinpoche” arrived as he was being removed from the kiln following the glazing procedure…and the jade-green eyes? Perhaps a genetic token brought back from the Steppes by the Mongols when they ruled over Tibet during one of several periods of conquest…

(Rinpoche was available for $385.00, and is now sold)