A LARGE COPPER REPOUSSÉ PRAYER WHEEL WITH LANTSHA CHARACTERS

Estimated Value:

1.500 € - 2.500 €

Result:

incl. Premium and VAT

Description:

Tibet, 19th c.
H. gesamt 58 cm
The cylindrical container is decorated with a lotus as a cover, and the base has an applied golden double vajra, which serves to ward off earth spirits. The bottom of the cylinder with attached shaft for the axle.
Important southern German private collection, acquired from Schoettle Ostasiatica before 2000 - Signs of age and wear
This mantra container, known as a “prayer wheel,” is used to hold countless prayers written on paper and rolled up. These prayers include the popular mantra “OM MA NI PAD ME HUM” in constant repetition, corresponding to a prayer chain (mala). This is the invocation of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the compassion embodied by him. These "prayer wheels" came in a variety of forms, powered by wind power, water wheels, and most commonly hand-spinned cylinders, used by every believer, and placed in varying numbers in every temple or monastery, and still by to be made to rotate by the believers passing by. Through each revolution the prayers are to be thrown out and reach the seat of the gods.
Cf. Michael Henss, Buddhist Ritual Art of Tibet, A Handbook of Objects and ceremonial Furnishings in the Tibetan Temple; Arnoldsche 2020: VIII, p. 149 ff

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