The Abbot Mkhas-grub Rje

Brocaded panel of polychrome design with young Buddha in a light red robe making offering to the Queen of Heaven. Framed by later brocade, possibly Japanese. The treatment of the subject is similar to Tibetan Buddhist paintings; Tibetan-type altar hanging probably executed by Chinese artisans; Mkhas-grub Rje (founder of the Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism) is shown making a mandala offering to his great teacher (Tsong-ka-pa), who sits above on a white elephant surrounded by clouds; a fellow monk assists Mkhas-grub Rje while the six-armed guardian Mahakala occupies the lower left corner; upper right depicts Yamantaka with his consort.

Former Classification: Textiles - Tapestry