Suhe Monastery: Thangtong Gyalpo
Dry lacquer
Suhe Monastery: Thangtong Gyalpo
CHINA, Tibet, Qamdo
This famous Tibetan master, also known as Tsundru Zangpo was granted the title of Thangtong Gyalpo after his outstanding performance at the Sakya Sutra Debate. He created his own theatre troupe and is regarded as the founder of Tibetan religious opera. He is also noted for his contributions to the fields of medicine and bridge construction.
This statue was created some time between the 14th and 15th centuries. The figure is seated tranquilly in the posture of royal ease on a mat covered with an animal skin. He is holding a vase and a dragon-headed metal ring. The figure has a beard, heavy eyebrows, and a high topknot. He wears the succession of Tibetan monastic robes and a sacred thread.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture St-Z, page 1172.
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 St-Z},
pages = 1172,
title = {{Suhe Monastery: Thangtong Gyalpo}},
volume = 13,
year = {2016}}