Dalai Lama VI, Tsangyang Gyatso (1683-1706/1746)

Born in 1683, The Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso was perhaps the most popular Dalai Lama. The discovery of Tsangyang Gyatso was kept a secret by the regent Desi Sangye Gyatso until the construction of the Potala Palace was complete. Tsangyang Gyatso was in no way a model of his predecessor The Great Fifth; he enjoyed the life of a layman and is best known for his songs and poems, which remain popular to this day.

Painted in the tsal tang style, red background with gold outline, this composition includes the hand and footprints of the Sixth Dalai Lama.

Tenzin Dharlo 3-2005