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Lot 193
AN EMBOSSED PARCEL-GILT SILVER RELIC CONTAINER
Estimated Value:
2.500 € - 3.500 €
Hammer Price:
Description:
Tibet, ca, 19th c.H. 25,8 cm
The cup-shaped lower section is placed on a tapering cylindrical base embossed with lotus petals, the body is decorated with three different dakinis amidst scrolling tendrils, separating the upper section by a snake encircling the vase, its curved tail as handle, the upper part ornamented with three lion-masks issuing swaying tassels, interlinked with a flowers and the container continuing into an everted neck. Weight 1,433 kg.
South German private collection, assembled before 2007
It has been suggested that this vessel could have been used for sprinkling consecrated water, or as part of a ritual in which the devotee fills the vessel with water and grains and visualizes a mandala on the surface. While normally Tibetan ritual vessels are simple in design, this work abounds with elaborate detail and is of exquisite craftsmanship
Compare a similar vessel sold at Christie's New York, 21.3.2012, lot 816
Minor traces of age
