Residence where Chikhyap Khenpo hosted the British diplomatic mission. Copyright Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford 1998.131.451
Resource #: 69567 (URL for reference)
Collections: Lhasa
Location: Podrang Sarpa
Description:
by Jessica O'Leary
The house was formerly the residence of the Dalai Lama's favorite Künpella (kun 'phel lags), and the Lord Chamberlain, or Chikhyap Khenpo (spyi khyab mkhan po), hosted a lunch there for the British diplomatic mission in October 1936. There are two cylindrical gilt banners on the roof, with Buddhist plaques beneath them. A mounting block can be seen in the courtyard, with a ladder placed nearby to water the flower pots. Gilt victory banners, or gyeltsen (rgyal mtshan), have been hung on the tops of the private houses, symbolizing that the house contains a complete set of the Buddha's teachings. The family in such a home would live in the upper levels while the servants' quarters would be located on the first level, around the courtyard.Associated Resources
Resource type: Image
Photograph Date: 27/Oct/1936