ABR 078
Code: ABR 078
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1600 - 1800
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 3 x 6.5 x 2.9
Materials: Gilt copper
Stupa
The stupa is a significant religious monument in Buddhism and serves as a reliquary for the remains of eminent masters. Stupas are also created from precious materials as portable works of art, as is the case here.
In Tibet, stupas are often found in groups of eight. Each of the eight stupas represents one of the eight most important events in the life of Buddha, which is expressed in eight different shapes. These events were: the birth at Lumbini; the victory over the mara (inner demons) at Bodhgaya; his first speech at Sarnath; the miracle at Sravasti; the descent from Tushita Heaven at Sankasya; the taming of the raging elephant at Rajagrha; the gift of honey from a monkey at Vaishali; and his death at Kushinagara.
The stupa is a significant religious monument in Buddhism and serves as a reliquary for the remains of eminent masters. Stupas are also created from precious materials as portable works of art, as is the case here.
In Tibet, stupas are often found in groups of eight. Each of the eight stupas represents one of the eight most important events in the life of Buddha, which is expressed in eight different shapes. These events were: the birth at Lumbini; the victory over the mara (inner demons) at Bodhgaya; his first speech at Sarnath; the miracle at Sravasti; the descent from Tushita Heaven at Sankasya; the taming of the raging elephant at Rajagrha; the gift of honey from a monkey at Vaishali; and his death at Kushinagara.