Object Use: Religious

Material: Cotton | Silk

Cultural Region: Amdo

Date Range: 15th

Source: Private Collection (Gray Tuttle)

Notes: This blockprint on cotton is attached over a doorway. The mantra repeated on the textile is 'Om mani padme hung' so the image is presumably that of Chenrezik, or Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva associated with compassion and the Dalai Lamas. The silken fabric hanging down in front of the woodblock print is probably a kata (khwa ta), which are frequently blessed by lamas. This monastery derives its name (Mouth of the Kata Monastery) from the fact that a kata hung from a bush spoke to local Tibetans, and this miracle prompted the foundation of the monastery.