Uninscribed pillar in a courtyard at Ushangdo

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2001.59.2.18.3 (Print)

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Key Information

Photographer

Hugh E. Richardson

Collection

Hugh Richardson

Date of Photo

May 1948

Region

Lhasa Area > Ushangdo

Accession number

2001.59.2.18.3

Image Dimensions

118 X 123 mm

Uninscribed pillar surmounted on a tiered base in the centre of courtyard at Ushangdo. There is a low wall directly behind the pillar on which flowers are growing. Murals are visible on the cloistered wall of the building in the background which has pillars and cross beams and windows. There is a ladder outside the window on the left. Several people can be seen looking on.

Further Information

Photographic Process

Print silver , Enlargement

Date Acquired

Donated August 2001

Donated by

The executors of the estate of Hugh E. Richardson

Expedition

Hugh E. Richardson

Other Information

Notes on print - 'Hu shang' is written on reverse of print in Richardson's hand in blue ink. [KC 11/3/2006]

Manual Catalogues -


Manual Catalogues - Richardson's Hand List: 'Album no. 2 [nos.] 13,14. pillar in temple probably not old'. [KC 10/3/2006]

Manual Catalogues -


Manual Catalogues - [Hugh Richardson in conversation with Paddy Booz; see PRM Related Documents File] 'U Shang, pillar. (also 'U-Shang). This site is downriver from Lhasa, on the left bank of the Kyichu river.' [KC 4/3/2006]

Research publication - H. E. Richardson, High Peaks, Pure Earth' , London, Serindia Publications, 1998, plate 60. "'On-cang-do rdo-ring ." [KC 09/11/2006]

Other Information - History: Richardson briefly describes this pillar in High Peaks, Pure Earth, 1998, London: Serindia, '... a somewhat similar design [to that of a crescent and disc topped by a small knob symbolising air and ether on a pillar at Bsam-yas], a crescent and star, surmounts an uninscribed pillar at Hu-shang - traditionally 'U-shang-rdo - near Lhasa, which probably dates from the ninth century.' (p.229) [KC 4/3/2006]

Other Information - History: Ushangdo ('u shang do) is situated on the east bank of the lower Kyi chu and historically is one of the most important religious sites. The Tibetan king Tri Ralpachan (khri ral pa can, 815-838 ) build a nine storey temple at Ushangdo in the 9th century AD. At the time of Richardson's visit the area was in ruin and traces of the original structure and complex can be seen. [TS 2/1/1970]

Other Information - Related Image: 2001.59.2.14.1 which is taken at slightly more of a distance [KC 4/3/2006]

For Citation use:
The Tibet Album. "Uninscribed pillar in a courtyard at Ushangdo" 05 Dec. 2006. The Pitt Rivers Museum. <http://tibet.prm.ox.ac.uk/photo_2001.59.2.18.3.html>.

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