Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (1382-1456): the founder of the Ngor Branch of the Sakya School.

Richly clad with orange and red robes decorated with the eight auspicious emblems and mystic syllables Ngorchen wears the red pandita hat of Sakya while performing the Dharma Teaching mudra (gesture); with the two hands holding the stems of two utpala flowers blossoming above the shoulders supporting an upright vajra on the right and a bell on the left. With the exposed feet, marked with Dharma wheels, placed in vajra posture seated above a multi-coloured lotus and lion supported jewelled throne with an elaborate backrest, he is surrounded by a blue nimbus and green areola decorated with wishing jewels.

Along the top center is a small figure of Shakyamuni Buddha. Starting at the top left corner and moving to the right is Buddha Vajradhara, mahasiddha Virupa, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, Sonam Tsemo, Trakpa Gyaltsen, Sakya Pandita, Chogyal Phagpa and the wrathful bodhisattva Vajrapani. Slightly below are the tutelary deities Chakrasamvara to the left and Shri Hevajra to the right. Vertically along each side are four lamas wearing similar attire and performing the same hand gestures as the central figure - Ngorchen.

Again moving downwards on the left side is the bodhisattva Maitreya, Sadaksari Avalokiteshvara, Green Tara and at the bottom is Panjarnatha Mahakala and Mahakali. On the right side is Arya Manjushri, Ushnishavijaya, green Vajravidarana and the wealth deity yellow Jambhala. Seated at the bottom center is a monk performing offering services before two tables of various ritual substances.

Rich with dark red tones and ornate complex designs the painting is executed in the Nepali influenced painting style developed at Ngor monastary in the 15th century.

Jeff Watt 9-98