Indian and Himalayan Art Pictorial Biography of Tsongkhapa
Gelug, c. 19th century Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan Colors on
cloth; cloth mounting Currently not on view 1960-131-7Gift of
Natacha Rambova, 1960 LabelThis painting is an illustrated
sacred biography of the central figure, Tsongkhapa (1357-1419),
who founded the Gelug (Yellow Hat) order of Tibetan Buddhism.
Numerous monastic rituals are depicted-reading books, pouring
libations, envisioning deities, and offering triangular ritual
cakes called torma. Gift-giving rituals are also shown. For
example, the scene in the lower right is labeled, "Episode 115:
A reception given when Dolungpa requested Buddhist texts to be
brought to Nal-lo Monastery." In the lower left, wealthy traders
offer white katak scarves, bolts of multicolored silks, and
heaps of jewels to the enthroned Dharmaraja, a religious king.