For a comprehensive description of the iconography and meaning of the bell and vajra we refer you to the excellent "Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs" by Robert Beer.
The set shown here is of the closed five pronged variety with all the iconography described so exactingly by Mr. Beer. The bell is four inches in diameter and seven inches high; the
vajra measures 4-3/4 inches in length. There is a ti ...click for details
With the Newaris of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal it was customary for the donors of a statue to a temple to have a small statue of themselves cast to be put beside it. These were called donor figure statues.
In these donor statues the male is always to the left of the female. He kneels while she sits cross-legged. They are always portrayed with their hands held together in the gesture of devotion. This male donor cl ...click for details
The central figure in this thangka bears a striking similarity of one identified as the fourth Panchen Lama, Lobsang Tenpay Nyima (1782-1853) [Rhie and Thurman, “The Sacred Art of Tibet”, page 275-275]. In both thangkas the focus is on the lama wearing the characteristic yellow hat of the Geluk Order dressed in several layers of clothing with his right hand in the teaching gesture (vitarkamudra) and cradling a manuscript in his left hand. He sits on an elaborate throne chair with dragon handle ...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
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
