Item: King/Chogyal/Emperor

Jayaatu Khan Tugh Temur, (1304 –1332). The Potala Palace inventory only records this painting for the first time in the 1990s. It is possible that the painting could be dated to the 19th century or possibly the 20th century also.

Video: HAR #205205 (HAR on Patreon [17 min.])

In this highly unusual painting the upper register is painted in a 13th or 14th century Tibetan painting style. The upper register depicts the Lamdre lineage of the Sakya tradition. Starting at the left side is Vajradhara, Nairatmya, Virupa, Kanha, Damarupa, Avadhutipa, Gayadhara, Drogmi Lotsawa, Seton Kunrig, Shangton Chobar, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo and Sonam Tsemo. Below the upper register are three Tibetan monastic figures.

It is certainly possible that the top portion of the painting is original and the central figure and lower register are newly painted over top of the original subject, iconographic program and composition.

The central figure is seated on a Chinese style wooden throne placed atop a textured carpet visible to the left and right sides and in front. The design of the carpet is of Chinese origin and aesthetic.

In the lower register are the Seven Jewels of Royal Power: 1. Wheel, 2. Jewel, 3. Queen, 4. Minister, 5. Elephant, 6. Horse, and 7. General. These figures and symbols follow an 18th century Beijing painting style especially noticeable with the figure of the General at the far right corner and the wrathful face decorating the round shield held in the left hand. The Queen is unusually white in colour with a Chinese style face. The Wheel in the center of the register is also in a Chinese style.

Jeff Watt, 4-2026