19th century Chinese-Tibetan mala - Buddhist rosary consisting of 108 pink salmon coral prayer beads and 4 ivory ones that serve as spacers dividing the prayer beads into groups of 27 each. The coral is real one, not the Chinese dyed fossil. Traditionally Buddhist rosary of 108 even-sized beads is used for mantra recitation. The thread represents the continuity of the buddhadharma piercing the 108 worldly passions. The mantras are recited to accomplish the four karmas or enlightened activities o ...click for details
Good size early 19th century (could be 18th) Tibetan bronze vajra - the primary symbol and ritual implement in Tantric Buddhism. It symbolizes the essence of esoteric practices and the perfected state of reality. This vajra has 9 prongs on each end - one at the center and four at the cardinal directions symbolizing five cosmic Buddhas, with the four intercardinal prongs symbolizing four consorts of the directional Buddhas. It also symbolizes the nine vehicles or yanas, and all other groups of ei ...click for details
18th century (could be earlier) Tibetan bronze vajra - the primary symbol and ritual implement in Tantric Buddhism. It symbolizes the essence of esoteric practices and the perfected state of reality. This vajra has 9 prongs on each end - one at the center and four at the cardinal directions symbolizing five cosmic Buddhas, with the four intercardinal prongs symbolizing four consorts of the directional Buddhas. It also symbolizes the nine vehicles or yanas, and all other groups of eight surroundi ...click for details
18th century (could be earlier) Tibetan bronze vajra - the primary symbol and ritual implement in Tantric Buddhism. It symbolizes the essence of esoteric practices and the perfected state of reality. This vajra has 9 prongs on each end - one at the center and four at the cardinal directions symbolizing five cosmic Buddhas, with the four intercardinal prongs symbolizing four consorts of the directional Buddhas. It also symbolizes the nine vehicles or yanas, and all other groups of eight surroundi ...click for details
18th century unmounted Tibetan thangka depicting Vaishravana (Kubera) - one of the Four Great Kings and the Guardian of the North. He is also worshipped as the God of Wealth and the promoter of prosperity. He is sitting on a lion standing on a lotus throne, and in his left hand he is holding his usual companion - a jewel-spouting mongoose, symbolizing the deliverance of living beings from poverty. Central figure is surrounded by his eight attendants, the Ashvapatis (riders), protectors of the Ei ...click for details
Good size 19th century (can be earlier) Tibetan turned burl wood dish / stand with massive high foot for temple offerings. Very nicely turned, in great shape, usual burl wood blemishes, fantastic dark patina on beautiful wood. Very pleasant piece with wonderful feel of age. Diameter 6 1/2 inches, height 3 5/8 inches.
19th century Tibetan wooden burl box with cover used for carrying tobacco or some small items. Was worn suspended on a belt by a cord. Beautiful pattern to the wood (does not photograph well). Excellent patina with rich sheen from long wear, overall in great condition. Wonderful tactile object with great feel of age. Height 3 1/4 inches.
19th century Tibetan turned burlwood covered bowl used for sampa (powdered barley) -Tibetan staple food. Lacquered black on the inside, great patina on beautiful wood. Very pleasant piece with wonderful feel of age. Height with cover 3 3/8 inches, diameter 4 3/4 inches.
19th century Tibetan turned burlwood covered bowl for Buddhist offerings on a home or temple altar. Larger versions of these bowl are used for sampa (powdered barley) -Tibetan staple food. Very nicely turned, in great shape, fantastic patina on beautiful wood with some red lacquer on the cover. Very pleasant piece with wonderful feel of age. Diameter 2 13/16 inches, height with cover 2 1/8 inches.
19th century Tibetan / Nepalese bronze amulet - thogchag - cast as a figure of Amitayus (Boddhisattva of infinite life) identified by the vase in his hand. Served as a protective talisman, and was worn in a pouch close to the body, or used in a household altar. Excellent patina from wear, dust in crevices. Height 1 7/16 inches.
