Kham Province, Eastern Tibet
late 18th - 19th century
In this powerful portrait all emphasis is placed on the teacher and his elaborate throne. They are set against an almost empty background, and the two other figures in the painting are tiny in comparison. A sense of space is achieved by a gradual fading of details as well as the shading of the clouds above the throne. The teacher and his throne are executed with exceptional attention to detail. The rich carving of his wooden throne also features fine gold work. The teacher’s gaze, with frowning eyebrows, skillfully resonates with the “face of glory” (center) and the dragons’ heads (left and right) decorating his throne. This is a powerful portrait of the Tenth Shamarpa, Mipam Chodrup Gyatso (1742–1792). He wears the red hat (shamar) of his incarnation lineage and holds a vajra and bell in front of his chest. On the table in front of him further ritual implements are carefully laid out. Above the teacher there is a small image of the red Buddha Amitabha above a bank of clouds. In the foreground a kneeling monk holds a plate representing an offering of the universe with jewels and offerings to the five senses lined up in front of him.
A bell is often paired with the vajra and is another implement used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes wisdom, the feminine aspect of enlightenment, and its ring is said to be the sound of emptiness.
A vajra is a ritual scepter used in tantric practices and an attribute of tantric masters and deities. It generally symbolizes method, the male aspect of enlightenment.
In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.
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.
The transmission of teachings from one generation to the next, from teacher to student, traced all the way back to the Buddha without interruption. A complete lineage is essential in Tantric Buddhist practices as it makes the blessings of the teaching more powerful.
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).
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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