Item: Teacher (Lama) - Katog Situ 3rd, Chokyi Gyatso

Chokyi Gyatso, 3rd Katog Situ Rinpoche (1880-1923/25). The central figure of Chokyi Gyatso in the painting, along with the life-like features, was likely modeled after a black and white photo of him taken prior to his death. The place name of 'katog' is also found with the alternate English spelling of 'kathok', or 'kathog'. The term 'situ' or 'tai situ' is of Chinese language origin and a title given to number of different Tibetan teachers by various Chinese emperors over the centuries. [TBRC P706].

At the center is Katog Situ wearing a red pandita hat and orange and red monastic robes. The right hand raised holds a vajra scepter and the stem of a flower blossom supporting a sword and book. The left hand holds a bell in the lap. He is seated atop a cushioned throne with ritual objects at the front and on the proper right side with four volumes of texts situated on the other side. (See another image of Katog Situ).

At the top center is Vimalamitra. On the top left side is a Sakya teacher with a long white beard. On the viewer's right side is Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo.

At the bottom center is Dakini Simhamukha, blue in colour, with a lion face. On the left is Brahmanarupa Mahakala and on the right side the Nyingma female protector deity Ekajati.

Jeff Watt 5-2013