Norbulingka Palace: Shrine with Buddha Triad

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

This shrine is built in imitation of a hall within a Buddhist monastery. It contains a Buddha Triad with Sakyamuni Buddha in the center, Maitreya Bodhisattva on the right, and a four-armed Manjusri Bodhisattva on the left. Apart from the fine statuettes, the shrine is notable for its architectural details. Standing on a base with cloud patterns, the shrine, which is surrounded by balustrades, has three sets of steps leading up to Buddha niches in the form of ogee arches. The columns at each corner and between the niches are encircled by coiling dragons.
The single eave hip-and-gable roof is depicted in meticulous detail. At either end of the main ridge, there is a makara with a wide-open mouth. There is a stupa in the center of the ridge, which is connected by chains to a garuda with outstretched wings on either side. A makara swallows the end of each hip, from which a wind chime in the form of a bell with clapper and chain with a duck hangs down. The tile caps, drip tiles, and purlins are accurately reproduced.