Bon Book Cover with Interior Painted Carvings of Shrines and Charms

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Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

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Bon Book Cover with Interior Painted Carvings of Shrines and Charms

c. 17th century

Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan

This colorful object is half of a Bon book cover. The Bon religion predates Buddhism, but after the seventh century Buddhism heavily influenced this ancient Himalayan faith. A number of ritual items appear on the cover. The two magical knots (one formed by men, the other by horses) are used to protect people and animals from evil influences such as illness and accident. The geometric figure in center right, labeled cham-ris, suggests a demon-catching thread cross. The gate and three buildings signify actual structures that demarcate and protect village boundaries while the diagram (center left) outlines an idealized sacred space.

Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Object Details

Title:

Bon Book Cover with Interior Painted Carvings of Shrines and Charms

Date:

c. 17th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Tibetan

Medium:

Wood with pigment

Dimensions:

5 1/8 x 29 5/8 inches (13 x 75.2 cm)

Classification:

Books/Manuscripts/Information Artifacts

Credit Line:

Purchased with the Stella Kramrisch Fund, 2002

Accession Number:

2002-92-2

Geography:

Made in Tibet, Asia

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Gallery 325, Asian Art, third floor (Imasogie Gallery)

Main Building

Museum map

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