Shakyamuni with Shariputra and Maudgalyayana by Karmapa 10 Chöying Dorje (1604-1674)
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Chapel
Orientation 4
Wall object 18
ABP 006
Code: ABP 006
Country: Tibet (east)
Style:
Date: 1600 - 1700
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 44 x 68
Materials: Glue distemper on silk
Buddha Shakyamuni
The center of this painting by the Tenth Karmapa Chöying Dorje (1604-1674) is occupied by Buddha Shakyamuni with his main disciples Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. Below, three devotees are seated in a respectful attitude, facing three musicians. In the upper register, a black-hat Karmapa and a red-hat Shamarpaare depicted. Possibly they represent Chöying Dorje himself with his teacher Chökyi Wangchuk (1584-1630), the Sixth Shamarpa. In the middle between the two Cittavishramana Avalokiteshvara is represented.
It is very rare that an artist is known by name, as they mostly remained anonymous. Chöying Dorje lived during the 17th century. His artistic talent and idiosyncratic style were noticeable at an early age. Due to power struggles emanating from the Gelugpa, he spent a large part of his life in exile. Among other places, he spent a lot of time in Bhutan and in China. He was certainly inspired by Chinese silk painting, because he too painted on silk. The special feature herein lies in the fact that on silk, no pre-sketching is possible. The Chinese inspiration is also visible in in the way the two disciples are depicted, and even more so by the throne and the intricately painted torana. The throne-back is decorated with a pair of leogryph beasts (vyala) with warriors on their backs, two makaras with long scrolling tails above, surmounted by a Garuda. Many more details can be discovered on closer observation. All of this is painted with malachite.
The center of this painting by the Tenth Karmapa Chöying Dorje (1604-1674) is occupied by Buddha Shakyamuni with his main disciples Shariputra and Maudgalyayana. Below, three devotees are seated in a respectful attitude, facing three musicians. In the upper register, a black-hat Karmapa and a red-hat Shamarpaare depicted. Possibly they represent Chöying Dorje himself with his teacher Chökyi Wangchuk (1584-1630), the Sixth Shamarpa. In the middle between the two Cittavishramana Avalokiteshvara is represented.
It is very rare that an artist is known by name, as they mostly remained anonymous. Chöying Dorje lived during the 17th century. His artistic talent and idiosyncratic style were noticeable at an early age. Due to power struggles emanating from the Gelugpa, he spent a large part of his life in exile. Among other places, he spent a lot of time in Bhutan and in China. He was certainly inspired by Chinese silk painting, because he too painted on silk. The special feature herein lies in the fact that on silk, no pre-sketching is possible. The Chinese inspiration is also visible in in the way the two disciples are depicted, and even more so by the throne and the intricately painted torana. The throne-back is decorated with a pair of leogryph beasts (vyala) with warriors on their backs, two makaras with long scrolling tails above, surmounted by a Garuda. Many more details can be discovered on closer observation. All of this is painted with malachite.