Sachen Kunga Nyingpo
Former TitleA Portrait of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, A Sakyapa Abbot
CultureTibetan
Date18th century
MediumThangka; colors on cotton and mounted on brocade
DimensionsUnframed: 26 1/4 × 17 3/8 inches (66.68 × 44.13 cm)
Framed: 56 1/4 × 34 1/4 inches (142.88 × 87 cm)
Framed: 56 1/4 × 34 1/4 inches (142.88 × 87 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Joseph H. Heil
Object number74-36/22
On View
Not on viewCollections
Gallery LabelAn inscription identifies the subject of this painting as Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158), an early abbot of the Sakya monastery, which is depicted in the background at his left. This lama performs the teaching gesture with his right hand and the charity gesture with his left. At the upper left is a protective deity important to the Sakyapas, Hevajra, with multiple heads and limbs, combined with a consort. At the upper right is a renowned Sakyapa teacher, Virupa. At the lower right is one of the Eight Great Dharmapalas (protectors of the faith), Mahakala.
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