Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284-1339)

Presented largely in tones of green, this painting’s grassy highland with hills and remote mountains forms the backdrop for the central figure of the Karmapa and the surrounding scenes from his life. Although the landscape provides a sense of depth, the sizes of the figures do not conform to the perspective but rather relate to the importance of the depicted figure. Most of the scenes are placed at the very edge of the canvas and thus further emphasize the landscape setting. Unusual is the large tree behind the main figure with a whiteclad yogin sitting in it. The central Karmapa holds a vajra and bell in his hands crossed in front of his breast, associating him with Buddha Vajradhara. Although telling details are scarce there is one scene that leaves no doubt that this is the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje (1284–1339). In the scene at the middle of the painting’s left edge, a child, seated on a throne between his parents, puts a black hat on his head, as did the Third Karmapa at the age of three. The top left scene stresses the international importance of this teacher, as the Karmapa is shown seated in a pavilion giving teachings to the emperor of China. While this Yuan emperor, Toghan Temur (r. 1333-1370) was Mongolian, he is depicted in this much later painting following standard conventions for depicting Chinese emperors.