Yong Zin Khon Shogpel: Seventh Abbot of Ngor Monastary

This painting is one of two in The Met collection from a set depicting the abbots of Ngor monastery, which follows the teachings of the Sakya school. Tibetan Buddhism assigns exceptional prestige and reverence to abbots, who were seen as empowered to transmit the pure teachings of the Buddha; on occasions the most revered were accepted as the living embodiments of enlightenment. Founded in 1429, Ngor monastery quickly became a center of excellence for painting, initially produced under the direction of Nepalese master artists. By the sixteenth century, influences from Chinese painting began appearing, as seen here in the treatment of the throne and drapery. In the upper and framing registers is the Sakya order lineage, and in the lower register are protective and auspicious deities.