Khyentse Chenmo

CHINA, Tibet, Lhoka

Khyentse Chenmo was a Tibetan artist during the 15th century. He was a diligent student who studied the five sciences and learned the art of Buddhist painting from master painter Dopa Tashi Gyalpo.
He took a great interest in both sculpture and painting. Using the teachings of his teacher as a foundation, Khyentse Chenmo integrated the Chinese landscape style into his works, thus creating a new painting style known as the Khyentse school. This school, alongside the closely associated Menri school, initiated the development of local Tibetan painting.
Portraits by Khyentse Chenmo are composed of vibrant colors and considered to be particularly beautiful works. His brushstrokes are lively, and each painting is filled with a diversity of realistic and compelling details. His works are currently collected in Gongkar Monastery, Yangpachen Monastery, and Tsurphu Monastery.
Khyentse Chenmo was invited to Gongkar Monastery between 1464 and 1465 to paint murals. These paintings include Kalpalata in the central hall and Vajrabhairava in the Vajra Hall. Unfortunately, only the latter still exists. It is believed that the majority of the sculptures in Gongkar Monastery were also made by Khyentse Chenmo.