Flaming Garudas clutching snakes in their talons, all different in color are depicted flying over a mountain lake in this striking set of tsaklis. Despite their striking similarities, each card is painted individually.
Each card is signed on the reverse side near the bottom and the back of each has been fixed with a piece of cloth so the cards could be displayed on a stick during an initiation (see the last photo). ...click for details
This carved bone image of a fearsome Mahakala originates in Tibet. It is possibly from a necromancer's apron, though it is freestanding and lacks the top holes one would expect. It does have two drilled holes which are drilled so as to come through the mouth.
It measures just over 2-1/2 inches high (6.5 cm.) and forms under a 45 degree angle at the base. It is in excellent condition. Without scientific testing it ...click for details
The phurba is used in various Buddhist rituals to frighten or slay invisible malevolent powers. It is thus a very powerful ritual object.
This phurba shows much use. The brass is has a very nice patina where it was grasped and the iron blade is quite worn. We would date it to at least the nineteenth century.
This finely woven seating carpet contains five full medallions and several partial ones. A rich indego ground complements the several natural colors used in the medallions.
Dimensions are 26 x 22 inches (66 x 56 cm). The carpet is in good condition with no reweaving.
The wear, patina, and the lightness of the wood all point to a very early date for this small wooden statue of Ganesh. We would estimate its origin to the eighteenth century.
The piece is 4.5 x3.5 inches (11 x 9 cm.). The lower righthand corner contains an early repair with a dark and hardened substance.
Our last photograph shows the extent of the repaired area. It hardly detracts from the overall look of the piece.
Made only in the Wangden valley of southern Tibet, these carpets are considered to be the earliest Tibetan carpets. The tradition has continued to this day. For more information on this particular form of weaving, do a Google search for the word "Wangden".
This carpet dates to the early years of the 20th century, and uses the traditional design of the double dorje. It is in good condition with no reweaving. ...click for details
Worn by Buddhist lamas during empowerments and other rituals, a ritual crown (or ringga) is composed of five separate pieces
held together with cloth or leather so it can be tied around the head. Ringgas are sometimes found on statues as well.
The sections are painted with the five Dhayani Buddhas, each with his consort holding a distinctive object. ...click for details
Bhutanese love their monkeys. They are featured in Buddhist folklore, every twelfth year is a year of the monkey, and they
have several endangered species. They are also very fond of monkeys carved of wood and find many uses for them. They are often
found decorating the handle of embroidery stretchers and other household objects. Here this carved wooden monkey
holds his hands together to steady an incense stick. Other incense sticks can be fitted into his elbows and also in the holes along ...click for details
This is a very old iron-tipped phurba with a
shiny dark patina. Phurbas like this one with iron tips were often used by shamans for agricultural purposes. They would be driven into the ground in groups, either to protect fields from misfortune or to trap malevolent spirits and dispatch them.
