Sixth Dalai Lama

CHINA, Tibet; Qing dynasty

This painting is one of the artworks given to the Qing dynasty Imperial Palace in 1761. The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, is one of the most controversial figures in Tibetan history. He was the only Dalai Lama to refuse full ordination, instead spending much of his time carousing outside the palace. In 1706, he was deposed and escorted to Beijing by Mongolian troops. On the way, he passed away at Qinghai Lake under mysterious circumstances.
The Dalai Lama is in the center of the picture, sitting in full lotus position on a padded throne. Below, a seated monk prepares incense. Offerings cover an altar on the left. In the corners, there are images of a dakini, a lama, and a Dharma protector. The mountain ranges, clouds, and rivers in the background of the upper register are painted in a vivid mix of greens, blues, and browns, characteristic of Karma Kagyu paintings. Qinghai Lake, where the Dalai Lama passed away, is depicted in the background of the middle register.