Miscellaneous - Torana
(item no. 65651), reverse

1300 - 1399

Tibet

Bon Lineage

Wood

Collection of Rubin Museum of Art


 
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Throne back (Tibetan: gyab yol) for the special figure of Nampar Gyalwa a form of Tonpa Shenrab, founder of the Bon religion. This throne back is different from others most notably because the lion at the bottom is eating a human figure and the winged-lion-horse (dragon) above is eating a naga serpent spirit. This throne back design can also be found on paintings the Four Transcendent Lords.

According to the text the animals should be a lion, dragon and sea monster. This is described in detail in the story of Nampar Gyalwa found in chapter 50 of the Ziji a twelve volume biography of Tonpa Shenrab.

Jeff Watt & Samten Karmey 12-2006


View other items in:
Exhibition Appearance
Exhibition: Bon, The Magic Word (RMA 2007)

Thematic Set
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Sculpture Gallery II
Subject: Torana (Arch, Decorative Throne Back)
Bon Sculpture Masterworks
Subject: Miscellaneous Objects
Subject: Animals Mythical and Real
Bon Deity: Nampar Gyalwa
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Bon Artworks



Copyright © 2012 Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation.
Photographed Image Copyright © 2004 Rubin Museum of Art