Cover of a Bon Book

Description The Bon religion is considered by some to be the native faith of Tibet, by others a Tibetan adaptation of Buddhism. On the outside (wooden) face, the central figure is probably Tonpa Shenrap, the Buddha-like founder of Bon. The four other deities have the roles of mother, supreme god of wisdom, procreator, and teacher. On the inner (painted) face, there are five figures in Nepalese-type niches who are Bon versions of the five cosmic Buddhas.

Exhibitions

• Desire and Devotion: Art from India, Nepal, and Tibet in the John and Berthe Ford Collection. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara; Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque; Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham; Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong. 2001-2003.

Provenance Ian Alsop, New York and Santa Fe [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; John and Berthe Ford, Baltimore February 11, 1989, by purchase.

Credit Promised gift of John and Berthe Ford