The Founding Masters of Taklung Monastery
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The founder of the Taklung monastery, Tashipel (1142–1210), sits at center with his successors Kuyalwa (1191–1236) at left and Sangye Yarjon (1203–1272) at right. This triad traces the transmission of doctrine at this Tibetan monastery through three generations. Legitimizing these teachings, a complex lineage organized in triads traces back to the historical Buddha, seen at upper left. At the base of the painting are two registers. The upper one shows a monk, together with a group of protectors and a bodhisattva, conducting a ritual to consecrate the image in perpetuity. Unusual is the second, lower register populated by tantric deities and their consorts, which speaks to the deep knowledge of the three monks being aggrandized in this painting.
Artwork Details
- Title: The Founding Masters of Taklung Monastery
- Artist: Taglung Tangpa Chenpo
- Date: last quarter 13th century
- Culture: Tibet
- Medium: Ground mineral pigment on cotton
- Dimensions: H. 19 1/2 in. (49.5 cm); W. 14 in. (35.6 cm); Est. wt. 13 lbs. (5.9 kg)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Lent by the Stephen and Sharon Davies Collection
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art