Guge Red Temple: Paying Respect to the Buddha

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari

This 15th century mural is painted on the lower right section of the east wall. Amitayus Buddha is in the center, with the members of the Guge royal family, officials, and devotees paying respect on the left. Monks and more devotees are shown on the right. Amitayus Buddha, sitting in lotus position on a lotus throne with a long stem, wears a crown and has a relaxed, calm expression. The hands are folded at the chest, supporting a vase.
The figures on the left side of the painting are separated into three rows. In the top row, the Guge king, a prince, and officials are shown. The Guge king wears a coiled headdress and sits in full lotus position facing to the right. Both of his hands are raised as if he is speaking. He wears an ornate robe with large curled flaps on the shoulders, white boots, a long string of pearls, and a golden medallion.The king and the prince each have an attendant behind them holding a parasol, while to the left there is a group of devotees standing with their palms joined. Members of the royal family, including the empress, consorts, princesses, and children, are shown in the middle row. Food offerings within jars and bowls are spread out across the bottom row. Amidst the offerings, two pilgrims walk forwards with their palms joined. On the left side of the bottom row, a single figure leads four horses loaded with goods.