Guge White Temple: Ratnasambhava Buddha

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari

This image, estimated to have been painted during the mid-15th century, is found on the bottom left side of the west wall in the White Temple. The central figure is Ratnasambhava Buddha, one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas. The Buddha wears a five-leaf crown, and has curved eyebrows and narrow eyes. Seated in lotus position on a lotus throne, Ratnasambhava is adorned with earrings, a beaded ornament, bracelets, armlets, and anklets. There is a green nimbus, a blue aureole, and a red mandorla surrounding the Buddha. The right hand forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra, and the left hand rests flat on top of the legs. Beside and behind the Buddha, stacked columns rise to support an arch. On the tops of the columns, a pair of garudas stand with their wings spread. Above the garudas, there are two monkeys clinging onto poles. On each side by the poles, there are two standing Bodhisattvas, each wearing a golden crown and a dhoti. The Bodhisattvas raise their right arms high while keeping their left hands on their hips.
Four Bodhisattvas sitting on lotus thrones are arranged in the four directions around Ratnasambhava. They appear similar but have different skin colors and hold different objects. Moving clockwise from the bottom, the Bodhisattvas hold a bell and vajra, a wish-fulfilling jewel, prayer beads, and a parasol. In the background, there are numerous small Bodhisattvas sitting in lotus position with their right hands raised. The thin clothing worn by Ratnasambhava is a unique feature in Guge murals.