The physician Yutok Yonten Gonpo (1126–1202) is a founding figure of Tibetan medical practice and is the main author of an important medical text. His youthful, cleanly shaved face; unusual lotus crown; and other symbolic attributes, including the sword and book over his right shoulder representing knowledge and the vase filled with a triple jewel over his left shoulder symbolizing long life and abundance, mark the outstanding qualities of this lay practitioner.Red background paintings such as this are commonly associated with Buddha Amitabha and his lotus family, which includes Padmasambhava, whose teachings form the basis for the medical tradition depicted by this painting. Here the selective use of color—green for trees, rocks, and foliage; pink for myrobalan fruits; and gray for clouds—gives the otherwise abstract palette a naturalistic touch.

Artwork Details

Title
Physician Yutok Yonten Gonpo (1126-1202)
Dimensions
32 1/2 x 24 3/4 x 2 1/4 in. (82.6 x 62.9 x 5.7 cm)
Medium
Pigments on cloth
Origin
Central Tibet
Classification(s)
paintings
Date
late 17th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art, Gift of Shelley and Donald Rubin
Object number
C2006.66.176
HAR Number
185
Published references
*Mullin, Glenn H. and Jeff Watt. Female Buddhas: Women of Enlightenment in Tibetan Mysticism. Santa Fe: Rubin Museum of Art, Clear Light, 2003. Pp. 105.*Rhie, Marylin M. and Robert A.F. Thurman. Worlds of Transformation: Tibetan Art and Wisdom of Compassion. New York: Tibet House, 1999. Cat. 66; Pp. 255-256.* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014. Pp. 94-95*Ga, Yang. "The Origins of the Four Tantras and an Account of Its Author, Yuthog Yonten Gonpo." in Bodies in Balance: The Art of Tibetan Medicine, edited by Theresia Hofer, 155-5, 177, figure 8.1. Seattle: University of Washington Press; New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014.* Kaplan, Howard S. "Bodies in Balance: The Art of Tibetan Medicine" in Arts of Asia, April 2014: 132-141.* Hofer, Theresia, Bodies in Balance: The Art of Tibetan Medicine. Seattle: University of Washington Press; New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014. Fig. 8.1, pp. 156, 177

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Secular Goals

Concepts

While the primary religious goal for followers of Buddhism is enlightenment, many of the practices also serve secular goals related to daily life, including ethical conduct and cultivating well-being.

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Transmission

Concepts

The passing down of authentic Buddhist teachings from a teacher to a disciple or student, often in the form of a text in a ritualistic context.

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Legendary and Historical Humans

Figure Type

Himalayan art includes portraits of legendary and historical humans, including accomplished religious teachers (lamas), the Buddha’s original disciples (arhats), and spiritually accomplished tantric masters (mahasiddhas).

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Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

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Discover artworks, articles, and more by typing a search term above, selecting a term below, or exploring common concepts in Himalayan art.