Guge White Temple: Royal Family Tree

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari

This mural shows part of the 145 small figures representing royal families from India, the Tibetan Empire and the Guge Kingdom and arranged into 16 rows to the left and right of the Buddhas on the right side of the north wall in the White Temple. Each figure is seated facing towards the Buddhas. Of the figures representing those from the Guge Kingdom, the only ones identified with inscriptions are the first generation King Detsuk Gon, his brother Tashi Gon, the fourth generation King Ode, and the fifth generation King Tsede. The figures have similar appearances. Each one has a nimbus and a mandorla, and wears a head scarf. They have round faces, long, narrow eyes, and fine eyebrows. Dressed in robes embellished with golden dots and adorned with ornaments, they either form mudras or hold an object. Some of the figures have decorative shoulder flaps on their robes. They wear white boots and sit with their legs arranged in various poses.
Painted to the right of the center of the mural, there are two figures that stand out. Sheltered by canopies, they are seated on a white platform covered with cushions. One of the figures appears older, with a faint beard. They both hold a flower in their right hand. Golden medallions are painted to the left and right of the canopy above the older figure.