Tenth Karmapa Choying Dorje

CHINA, Qinghai, Golog

Tenth Karmapa Choying Dorje was the head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, in addition to being a sculptor, painter, and poet. At the age of 8, he was recognized as the Tenth Karmapa and enthroned by the Sixth Sharmapa.
Talented in the arts at an early age, he learned painting from Lhodrak Tulku Tsering and was diligent in mastering the techniques of the Menri and Karma Gadri schools. His earlier works adhered strictly to the Menri style, but his later works gained influence from the silk thangkas brought to Tibet from Ming dynasty (1368–1644) China. With the incorporation of landscapes and animals into his works, these later paintings reflected more of the Karma Gadri style. He traveled extensively and absorbed the artistic essence of each culture he encountered. He incorporated the different characteristics he acquired into his artwork and consequently developed his own unique style.
During his travels to the Kashmir region, Choying Dorje learned to sculpt Buddha statues in the western Tibetan style by using materials such as alloy and glass. He also sculpted using white sandal wood, ivory, and porcelain. While he was staying in Yunnan, he founded 13 Karma Kagyu monasteries; some of these monasteries are said to still preserve his artwork. Choying Dorje also authored several books including Annotation of the Artistic Style of Karma Gadri.