Rubin Museum of Art

Legendary and historical humans, including teachers and accomplished masters, are a popular subject of Himalayan art.

In this section

in this section

Teachers

Portraits of great historical religious teachers (lamas) often present the distinctive physical features of their subjects to convey something of the character of the individual portrayed. Such images also tend to display visual parallels with the arhat and mahasiddha genres.

Lama wearing saffron robe seated on blue-cushioned throne with hands posed in mudras at chest

Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Taye (1813-1899)

Eastern Tibet, early 20th century

Figure seated on throne underneath blossoming tree branches, above miniature scene, before mountainous landscape

Rongzom Chokyi Zangpo (1012-1088)

Eastern Tibet, 18th century

Gold- and silver-colored sculpture depicting monk wearing pleated robe, holding long-stemmed blossoms in hands

Tsongkapa (1357-1419)

Tibet, 16th century

Painting in gold on red background depicting Dalai Lama, seated at center, surrounded by portraits and foliage

The Fifth Dalai Lama Ngawang Lobzang Gyatso (1617–1682) with Previous Incarnations

Central Tibet, 18th century

Traditionally portrayed as a group of sixteen Buddhist monks, arhats became exemplars of monastic life and upholders of the Buddha’s teaching.

Mahasiddhas are great accomplished masters who embody Tantric Buddhist practices, which offer many unconventional paths to awakening.

Related:

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