Toling Monastery White Hall: Four-Armed Prajnaparamita

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari; Guge Kingdom

This mural is located on the east wall of the White Hall. Prajnaparamita has a golden body, four arms, and a slim waist. A high topknot rises behind a golden crown. Sitting in lotus position on a lotus throne with colorful petals, Prajnaparamita tilts her head to one side and gazes serenely towards the viewer. Flowing stoles are draped over the arms. One of the red-palmed hands is held in front of the chest; another rests in front of the abdomen. The two other hands hold a scripture and prayer beads. The light blue nimbus and the dark blue aureole are both bordered by gold scrolling patterns.
White elephants and rearing lions are painted within the Sumeru base of the lotus throne. A decorative arch surrounds the central figure with small figures occupying rectangular spaces in the columns. The arch is topped by seven symmetrical stupas joined by a single red drapery. Five Buddhas sit on lotus thrones in the upper register.