Nyentok Monastery Murals

CHINA, Qinghai, Rebkong; Qing dynasty

These murals are painted in Nyentok Monastery, which is located within the complex of Rongwo Monastery in Rebkong, Qinghai. Rebkong art blends Chinese and Tibetan styles, resulting in colorful, intricately detailed works. The area has traditionally been an important center for the creation of Tibetan thangka paintings. Nyentok Monastery contains some of the oldest Rebkong-style murals, including depictions of Sakyamuni Buddha, The Oathbound Blacksmith, Vajrabhairava, and Tsongkhapa.
In one of the murals, Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The Buddha has a usnisa topped with a jewel, wears a red robe, and forms the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. Bodhisattvas and disciples surround the central figure. In the upper corners, Amitabha Buddha sits on the left, and Amitayus Buddha is painted on the right. Another mural portraying the Buddha with two disciples has scenes from the Life of the Buddha painted around the triad.
The walls of the Maitreya Shrine are decorated with a mural of the Sixteen Arhats painted by the monastery’s resident artist, Palden, and his disciple Tshering Dondrub. The shrine is also painted with exemplary depictions of Tsongkhapa and the Medicine Buddha.