Dratang Monastery Central Hall Inner Shrine: Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Tibet, Lhoka

These Bodhisattvas flank the central figures of the wall murals in the inner shrine of Dratang Monastery. The crowned Bodhisattvas have hair bound in ornamented top knots or covered by tall tubular hats similar to those worn by monarchs of the Tibetan Empire (circa 7th–9th century). Each Bodhisattva has fine eyebrows, narrow eyes, a straight nose, and a faint smile. They wear wide-sleeved gowns with decorated hems, and form mudras with their hands. Most have their heads turned to look towards the central figure in the mural. The Bodhisattvas have different skin colors and colorful nimbuses. Their faces, palms, and lower lips are shaded, characteristic of Indian Pala period (8th–12th century) paintings.