Key Information

Photographer

H. Staunton ?

Collection

Harry Staunton

Date of Photo

1940 - 1941

Region

Gyantse

Accession number

1999.23.1.10.6

Image Dimensions

67 x 110 mm

The Gyantse Kumbum religious monument in Gyantse. It is found within the precinct of the Pelkhor Chode temple complex the walls of which may be seen in the background.

Further Information

Photographic Process

Print gelatin silver

Date Acquired

Donated 1999

Donated by

Diana Hughes

Expedition

H. Staunton

Photo also owned by

Diana Hughes

Other Information

Notes on album mount - "Gyantse" is written in capital letters in pencil below the photograph.

Manual Catalogues -

Manual Catalogues - "The Pelkhor Chode" [Hugh Richardson in conversation with Roger Croston, detailed in H. Staunton undated Related Documents File, PRM Manuscript Collections] [KC 13/12/2005]

Other Information - Album: This image appears in Staunton's personal album on a page (1999.23.1.10) with five other images. [KC 9/12/2005]

Other Information - Setting

Other Information - Setting: Gyurme Dorje writes in Tibet handbook, 1999 , Bath: Footprint Handbooks, p.260, "The great octagonal stupa of Gyantse - one of Tibet's outstanding artistic achievements, was built and decorated between 1427-39 by Prince Rabten Kunzang Phak in the style known as Tashi Gomang or Kumbum, which combines a terraced stupa exterior with multi-layered interior chapels. Rising 35 metres high, the stupas said to have 108 gates, nine storeys (including the base) and 75 chapels. ... Within the 75 chapels, the images form a progressive hierarchy of three dimensional mandalas, as outlined in the Sakyapa compilation known as the Drubtob Gyatsa, ensuring that the stupa encapsulates within it the entire spiritual path and gradation of the tantras." [KC 18/10/2006]

For Citation use:
The Tibet Album. "Gyantse Kumbum" 05 Dec. 2006. The Pitt Rivers Museum. <http://tibet.prm.ox.ac.uk/photo_1999.23.1.10.6.html>.

For more information about photographic usage or to order prints, please visit the The Pitt Rivers Museum.