TIBET, 16TH CENTURY

Jigten Sumgon was the founder of the Drigung Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. In this painting he is surrounded by the lineage teachers of the school, including Vajradhara at top center flanked by Tilopa and Naropa, then Marpa and Milarepa at left, and Gampopa and Pagmodrupa at right. Pagmodrupa was the teacher of Jigten Sumgon. Below the top register are the later leaders of the tradition, descending down to the time the painting was created. At the bottom are wealth deities and protectors such as Mahakala. Each figure and deity is identified by an inscription in gold. The inscription on the verso translates as "Homage to the incomparable Jigten Sumgon."