Drak Lhalupuk Cave: Princess Wencheng

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

This statue is located in Drak Lhalupuk, the meditation cave. Princess Wencheng, the niece of Emperor Taizong (reigned 626–649) of the Tang dynasty , was married to the Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo (reigned 629–650) in 641. She is credited with bringing Buddhism and Chinese culture into Tibet, and was considered to be a manifestation of White Tara.
Although repainted many times, this sculpture retains the original features, displaying the elegance of the Tang dynasty (618–907) princesses. The hair is hidden underneath an elaborate formal headdress, beneath which golden ear pendants fall to the shoulders. Her inner robe is of brown brocade with green trimming and a gold flower design, and her hands are hidden in the narrow sleeves. The princess wears a short-sleeved turquoise outer robe with a golden ribbon pattern, and a long dark blue skirt with a silver flower petal design.