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Trowo Tsochog Khagying, the Bon Deity

15th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 253
Trowo Tsochog Khagying (Wrathful Supreme Lord Towering in the Sky) is worshipped by followers of the Bon religion, a tantric tradition similar to Tibetan Buddhism but distinguished by its emphasis on sacrificial offerings. Embodying infinite power and ferocity, the deity is worshipped as one of the five so-called fortress meditation deities associated with the foundational Father Tantras of Bon. When in an embrace with his fierce consort, Khala Dugmo (as seen here), he opens the path for spiritual liberation. Like many Bon deities, Trowo Tsochog Khagying is associated with death and with conveying the departed to a rewarding afterlife.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Trowo Tsochog Khagying, the Bon Deity
  • Date: 15th century
  • Culture: Tibet
  • Medium: Distemper, ink, and gold on cloth
  • Dimensions: Image: 31 × 26 in. (78.7 × 66 cm)
    Frame: 39 1/8 × 33 3/4 × 1 3/4 in. (99.4 × 85.7 × 4.4 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Carlton Rochell, in honor of John Guy, and in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2018
  • Object Number: 2018.890
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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