Drak Lhalupuk Cave: Reliefs

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa; Tibetan Empire (circa 7th–9th century)

Located on the south wall of the circumambulation passageway, these 32 stone relief carvings are arranged in three tiers. There are 17 carvings in the upper tier, one in the middle, and 14 in the lower tier. The figures vary in size, with the smallest in the middle tier.
With an average height of 34 cm, the six groups of sculptures located in the upper register include Sakyamuni Buddha attended by Avalokitesvara and Maitreya; Zurchung Sherab Drakpa wears a tall hat; Amitabha Buddha with Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani; three Sakyamuni Buddhas with attendant Bodhisattvas; three Sakyamuni Buddhas; and two Sakyamuni Buddhas and the mahasiddha Virupa. In the middle tier, there is a 25 cm high Sakyamuni Buddha, which is a later addition to the carvings. The lower tier depicts standing Bodhisattvas approximately 58 cm in height, with petal-shaped nimbuses behind their heads. The colors on most of the images have been repainted.