Item: Teacher (Lama) - Karmapa 8, Mikyo Dorje

Mikyo Dorje, 8th Karmapa (1507-1554) is the larger figure in the composition wearing a black hat. Seated to the viewer's left side and wearing a red cap is Gyaltsab Dragpa Paljor. At the top left is the Arhat Ajita with the robes covering the head and on the right side is the Arhat Bakula holding a mongoose. This single painting belongs to a much larger set of paintings likely depicting the Karma Kagyu Mahamudra Lineage of teachers - possibly between thirty and forty in total.

Close observation of the use of landscape, rocks, trees and flowers suggests that this painting was created by the Palpung Monastery artist atelier of Eastern Tibet. Compositions such as this are important in the study of Karma Gadri style painting.

Jeff Watt 1-2008