Behind important Tibetan statues would be a surround. This and an opposite piece would form the posts holding up an arch over the head of the statue. Since the animals almost always face outward, this is a right side. These side pieces invariably depict an elephant, a snow lion, and a unicorn, sometimes with a person astride.
It is 14 inches in height and 3-1/2 inches wide. A very conservative age estimate is 18th ...click for details
A classic Tibetan artifact, this box is made of very tough and thick yak leather pieces held in place with brass hardware and small nails. It was then decorated with a painted pattern. Boxes like this are surprisingly old --- we would conservatively say that this is at least two hundred years old.
The box measures 8-1/2 by 4-1/4 inches at the base and is 6" high. All the hardware is intact and the leather is in ...click for details
Silver boxes like this were carried by Bhutanese of a certain class in the pouch of their garment. They were used specifically for carrying betel nuts and leaves for presentation.
This one is decorated on top with a double dorje flanked by two dragons. Around the border are the eight auspicious symbols and other offerings.
Garuda is a particular favorite in Bhutan. Here he is represented in a small wood carving of unknown purpose.
The excellent patina and the lightness of the wood suggest a century of age so we've dated it as pre-1900 with the disclaimer than we can't say for sure and doubt anyone else could either. It could be less that that age or it could be very much older. ...click for details
Heavy copper alloy phurba with an iron blade and core. It is very difficult to date phurbas since what little that has been published about them contains few age references. Our guess is that it was made well before the beginning of the 19th century.
Important for the power gathering use of the phurba is the iron core and triple blade which this one has. The hole for hanging is quite unusual in a metal phurba. ...click for details
Painted tsa-tsa from the 17th or 18th century. Three-headed wrathful deity with six arms in yab-yum with consort.
It measures 4" x 3". Good condition barring a few chips visible in the photographs.
This type stupa was popular in central Tibet for a span of several centuries. It
represents Mt. Meru and the mandala of the
five Buddhas.
This is a relatively small Kadam stupa, 2-3/4" in diameter and 5-3/4" in height. The
base is intact (never removed) and something
inside rattles when the stupa is moved. It is in good condition.
Featuring a sacred vase in an intertwined scroll design, this book cover measures 29-1/4" by 11" and is 1-5/8" thick. The carving shows traces of gold against a red ground which remains largely intact. The reverse side is plain with worn red paint. The right end is carved.
This book cover closely resembles one shown on the Rubin Collection website dated to the fifteenth century. ...click for details
Bronze casting has always been a specialty of the Kathmandu Valley, and before the days of electricity oil lamps like this were a very common accessory for more affluent households. The dish shaped top would hold a small puddle of oil and a wick.
This lamp is unusual in that it was cast in three parts which thread together. Its condition is good though it has been cleaned of most of its original patina. The base ...click for details
Large proportioned silver butter lamp with inset turquoise stones. Condition is good; no damage. It has been left unpolished, though there is nothing to prevent its being shined. The silver is "coin" quality. It stands 9-1/4" tall and is 6-3/4" in diameter at the top. It weighs 34.4 ounces.
A very traditional design its central portion reflects a Buddhist "vase of life". The four pl ...click for details
