Jokhang Temple Central Hall Royal Shrine: Songtsan Gampo
Gilt copper alloy
Jokhang Temple Central Hall Royal Shrine: Songtsan Gampo
CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa
Songtsan Gampo, founder of the Tibetan Empire (circa 7th–9th century), had two Buddhist consorts who are credited with introducing the faith into Tibet. The emperor, dedicated to teaching Buddhism and the translation of the Buddhist canons, was respected as a Dharma King and considered to be the manifestation of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
The head of Songtsan Gampo is wrapped with a long piece of fabric and has the image of Amitayus Buddha at the top, which is one of the characteristics that identifies Songtsan Gampo and suggests his Bodhisattva nature. He looks upward with determination in his wide gaze. The figure is clad in a narrow-sleeved long brocade gown and wears a pair of long boots; both the chest and belt are ornamented with jewels. The emperor sits on a cushion placed on the ornate throne that arches above him, with his right hand on his knee. His queens, the Nepalese Princess Bhrkuti and the Chinese Tang Princess Wencheng are on either side.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture G-M, page 505.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Lovelock, Yann and Chou, Yuan and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture G-M},
pages = 505,
title = {{Jokhang Temple Central Hall Royal Shrine: Songtsan Gampo}},
volume = 11,
year = {2016}}