This painting is a rare historical document, in that many of the figures represented are identified by inscription, both on the front and the back of the painting. In the middle are portraits of six men who represent part of a particular lineage of teachers of the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. In the top row are Pagmodrupa (1110-1170) and Taklung Thangpa Chenpo (1142–1210), the two Indian teachers Vairocanavajra and Phadampa Sangye (both active in the 12th century), a still unidentified person and the First Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa (1110-1193).