Potala Palace: Embroidery of Tsongkhapa

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

Tsongkhapa is depicted in the center wearing a yellow ceremonial hat and a monk’s robe. He is surrounded by a multi-color nimbus and a mandorla. Seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne, he performs the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra while holding two long-stemmed lotuses. On the lotus on his right, there is a sword symbolizing wisdom, and on the left-side lotus is a sutra. A low altar in front of the throne is laid with offerings, such as a vessel, vajra and bell, and incense burner.
Tsongkhapa is flanked by his students, the First Panchen Lama Khedrup Gelek Pelzang and Gyaltsab Je. In the upper register, there is a heavenly scene with the sun and moon against a blue background, and the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future sit on clouds. In the lower register, there are three Dharma protectors.
The precise needlework in this embroidery results in a distinctive and exquisite work. The yellow and red tones used for the figures harmonize well with the rich green foreground and the dark blue background.