ABR 018
Code: ABR 018
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1300 - 1400
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 5.5 x 9 x 5.5
Materials: Brass
Padmakataka Stupa – The Heap of Lotus Stupa
The stupa, or chöten in Tibetan, is a significant religious monument in Buddhism and serves as a reliquary for the remains of eminent masters. Stupas are also portable works of art created from precious materials, as is the case here.
In Tibet, stupas all share a similar general structure with symbolism associated with the elements: a stepped square base for earth, a cylindrical “vase” for water, a conical spire for fire, a parasol for air, and at the top the sun and moon representing space and wisdom. They are often found in groups of eight, each stupa representing one of the eight most important events in the life of Buddha, which is expressed in a specific shape.
This is a model of the Padmakataka Stupa initially located at Lumbini (Terai in actual Nepal), the birthplace of Siddhartha, the future Buddha Shakyamuni. This stupa is described as having four circular steps with lotus petals. This sober example does possess the four circular steps but they are devoid of lotus petal ornaments.
The stupa, or chöten in Tibetan, is a significant religious monument in Buddhism and serves as a reliquary for the remains of eminent masters. Stupas are also portable works of art created from precious materials, as is the case here.
In Tibet, stupas all share a similar general structure with symbolism associated with the elements: a stepped square base for earth, a cylindrical “vase” for water, a conical spire for fire, a parasol for air, and at the top the sun and moon representing space and wisdom. They are often found in groups of eight, each stupa representing one of the eight most important events in the life of Buddha, which is expressed in a specific shape.
This is a model of the Padmakataka Stupa initially located at Lumbini (Terai in actual Nepal), the birthplace of Siddhartha, the future Buddha Shakyamuni. This stupa is described as having four circular steps with lotus petals. This sober example does possess the four circular steps but they are devoid of lotus petal ornaments.