Potala Palace: Tsatsa with Green Tara

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

This tsatsa is in the shape of an ogee arch and shows a double-eave pavilion surrounded by a wall. The scene represents the Pure Land of Green Tara, who is depicted sitting on a lotus throne in the first story of the two-story pavilion. She wears a crown and has slim eyebrows and big eyes. Her right foot stretches out and rests upon a lotus, and she is flanked by several Bodhisattvas who make offerings, as well as heavenly beings and Dharma protectors. There are depictions of canopies, a Dharma wheel, wish-fulfilling jewels, and various flora and fauna. Below Tara is a square pool of water that flows downward and under the wall. At the gate, Maitreya sits on a two-layer throne with legs outstretched. In the second story of the pavilion, there is a small seated Buddha flanked by heavenly beings. Beside the golden roof is a sun and a moon.