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The lengthy dedication written in verse on the back of the statue states it continues Rinchen Gyeltsen’s activity, suggesting this portrait may have been made to commemorate the lama’s death (ca. 1446–1447). The base of the sculpture is sealed with a yundrung, one of the main symbols of Bon.
Bon Lama, Rinchen Gyeltsen (1415-1446)
OriginCentral Tibet
Date18th century
Dimensions7 3/4 × 5 1/4 × 4 in.
MediumGilt bronze
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2005.34.2
Himalayan Art Resources Number65572
Project Himalayan Arthttps://projecthimalayanart.rubinmuseum.org/related/bon-lama-rinchen-gyeltsen-1415-1446/
DescriptionRinchen Gyeltsen was the second leader, or Throne Holder, of Menri Monastery, the seat of the Bon religion in Central Tibet. He took on this position after the monastery’s founder (and Rinchen Gyeltsen’s teacher) died in 1415. Here Rinchen Gyeltsen is depicted as a fully ordained monk, wearing the distinctive lotus-shaped hat of the Bon tradition. The face of this portrait is sensitively handled, giving him a gentle expression.The lengthy dedication written in verse on the back of the statue states it continues Rinchen Gyeltsen’s activity, suggesting this portrait may have been made to commemorate the lama’s death (ca. 1446–1447). The base of the sculpture is sealed with a yundrung, one of the main symbols of Bon.
Not on view
19th century
15th century
19th century
19th century
20th century
1580s-1590s
19th century
19th century
Dated by inscription 1775
Dated 1898