Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) is the revered teacher and founder of the Gelugpa branch, the Yellow Hat school, of Tibetan Buddhism. He is represented seated on his throne, as a king. He holds in his right hand a lotus from which emerges the Sword of Wisdom of the bodhisattva Manjusri, who is said to have been his guide. In his left hand, he presents a vase containing a nectar for healing external and internal impurities. Tantric wrathful deities surround him against a backdrop of sky and mountain landscape. The mounting in silk, embroidered with gold and silver threads, shows lotus and phoenix, thereby recalling the classic Buddhist religious iconography.

Reference: See two similar thangkas at Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, n°S2017.63.1 et n° S2017.63.2, Alice S. Kandell donation, 2011