Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen

CHINA, Tibet

Born into an artistic family, Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen was a Tibetan artist who followed his family tradition, painting from measurements of images. He became an advocate for the Menri school in the Kham region where the Karma Gadri school was flourishing.
Due to his popularity in the Derge Palace, Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen was commissioned on separate occasions to compile the 16-fascicle Teachings of the Sakya School and edit the Tengyur. These works were completed in 1736 and 1749, respectively. Upon completion, he was bestowed the title “Zhuchen” which means “Great Master.”
In 1750, Zhuchen Tsultrin Rinchen was invited to supervise the painting of the murals in the newly built Gonchen Monastery where the new wood blocks of the Tengyur would be kept. Meanwhile, he also painted the main Buddha for the murals and wrote Record of the Central Hall. This record details the murals in the monastery along with an introduction to the painting masters of Tibet.
Another important work written by Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen was his Autobiography, which includes details of his numerous art endeavors. Both texts are considered important sources in researching the history of Tibetan art.
Zhuchen Tsultrim Rinchen was industrious and dedicated to his art. He completed numerous paintings with many famous artists from Kham including the Eight Situ Panchen Chokyi Jungne and many Menri school artists from Lhasa.