Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (1594–1651) with a Brief Lineage

This painting depicts Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (1594–1651), founder of the Drukpa Kagyu theocratic regime of Bhutan. Zhabdrung can be recognized by his long tapering beard and broad red fan-like meditation hat. Depictions of the Zhabdrung have long been the single most important criterion to identify paintings from Bhutan, as most lack inscriptions.

Above is the source and the founding lineage masters of the Kagyu tradition, starting with Buddha Vajradhara above, flanked by the Indian siddhas Tilopa and Naropa, to Tibetan masters Marpa and Milarepa. The four figures below are the Zhabdrung’s successors, most likely his heart incarnations, which could make the last figure the Fifth Zhabdrung Rinpoche Jigme Norbu (1831–1861). This would date the painting to the mid-19th century. The distinctive rounded blue hat worn by the last incarnation of the Zhabdrung is called the “hat of dependent relations” (rten ’drel dbu zhwa). It is said to have originated with the Zhabdrung and is passed down to consecutive abbots, the Je Khenpo.

This painting is extremely symmetrical, which bears some root relationship with painting traditions of Tsang in central Tibet (Tsangri). Green meadows fill most of its landscape, which includes blue-green crags and brownish cliffs that follow Menri conventions. The horizon lies quite high, level with the three highest figures. The painting features two snow-covered conical peaks and five stylized clouds, as well as distinctive yellow, pink-purple, and white cloud clusters below.