The Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngagwang Lobzang Gyatso (1617–1682), depicted here holding a lotus and a vase of longevity, was the first theocratic ruler of a [...]
At first glance this sculpture appears to represent the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who has a lotus as his symbol. However, closer inspection reveals that the figure once held a [...]
The Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara, is one of the most popular deities in Nepal, where 108 forms of him are known. In his simplest form, extending his right hand in the gesture of giving and [...]
This bronze of the protector deity Mahakala presents him as “the Excellent One,” a particularly fierce form with a large head, gaping mouth, heavy coat and boots, and [...]
Tsuklak Gyatso (1567–1633) was the Third Pawo Rinpoche, an important and high-ranking teacher of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism. He is represented in this painting not only [...]
The Indian scholar Shantarakshita was an important figure in establishing Tibetan Buddhist monastic and scholastic traditions in the eighth century. In this painting, which shows him surrounded by [...]
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Lhachok Sengge (1468–1535), the ninth abbot of Ngor Monastery, was a great patron of the arts. In fact, he is known to have [...]
This illuminated manuscript contains the writings and oral instructions of Lochen Gyurme Dechen (1540–1615), a Buddhist master of the [...]
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Situ Panchen (1700–1774) was both a hierarch of the Karma Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism and an important patron and artist, credited with [...]
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The great Hindu god Shiva and his wife Parvati can be considered an exemplar of male-female relationships in the Hindu worldview. Their affection is evident in this sculpture, with [...]
This painting depicts the eleventh abbot of Ngor Monastery, Sanggye Sengge (1504–1569), a great patron of the arts, holding a golden vase of longevity. Signs of venerable age, such as silver stubble of hair and a receding hairline, suggest this is a [...]