Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye; Dated 1688–1689
Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye
BHUTAN
Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye was the Druk Desi, or administrative ruler, of Bhutan between 1680 and 1694, as well as a renowned artist. During his reign he built, restored, and renovated numerous temples. He encouraged social harmony among the many different ethnic groups in Bhutan and promoted religious activities within Buddhist colleges and sects. His achievements as a ruler were significant and he is regarded as one of the most influential leaders of Bhutan.
As a painter, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye created a set of 11 thangkas which are currently collected in Thimphu Dzong in Bhutan. Among the thangkas is the Biography of Padmasambhava which features Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva surrounded by the events of Padmasambhava’s life. Each affair, rich in theme and painted in vibrant colors, gives the thangka a dense structure and dynamic appearance.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: People, page 86.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Youlu and Pokorski, Stefanie and Yichao and Mankuang and Miaohsi,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: People },
pages = 86,
title = {{Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye}},
volume = 19,
year = {2016}}