Karma Sidral

CHINA, Tibet, Lhoka

Karma Sidral, also known as Gonyon, was an official and artist at Dakpo Gopa Monastery. Skilled in painting and sculpture, he was an instructor and disciple of the eighth Karmapa, Mikyo Dorje. He was also one of the most renowned artists of the early Karma Gadri school, later becoming the founder of the school of sculpture.
He established a workshop in 1554 that specialized in restoring stupas, through which he nurtured many sculptors. Having painted many thangkas and murals throughout his life, his most famous works are the embroidered thangkas at Tsurphu Monastery produced in 1585. In addition, the mural of Vajradhara, which bore the traditional Karma Gadri style and was preserved until the early 20th century in Lhalung Monastery, was said to have been painted by him.