A RARE DEVOTIONAL PLAQUE DEPICTING BOGDO GEGEN (1869-1924) Mongolia, circa 1905 impressed and printed metal, the spiritual leader depicted as a young man, seated in a shrine 16 x 10.5cm The Tibetan-born Bogdo Jivsundambar, was to become one of the most powerful figures both in Mongolia and in the hierarchy of Tibetan Buddhism, with only the Dalai and Panchen Lamas holding greater prestige. After the expulsion of the Qing rulers in 1911 and he ruled as an authoritarian theocrat, despite having limited means of imposing his will. Even after the communist takeover in 1921, he was still allowed to remain on his throne until his death, although his position was largely ceremonial. This image dates from early in the 20th century probably as an attempt to bolster his reputation which was somewhat undermined by the presence of the Dalai Lama in Mongolia, who was taking refuge following the Younghusband expedition in 1904. This metal plaque, now exceptionally rare, was produce for sale to pilgrims.