ABR 062
Code: ABR 062
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1500 - 1600
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 10.2 x 19 x 10.2
Materials: Iron
Ritual vessel
This cylindrical iron vessel inlaid with golden motifs is composed of three tiers with a rounded lid. The tiers, adorned with macabre motifs –such as human skulls and severed heads, scorpions, and flames– are separated by snakes and garlands of skulls. The lid has the same patterns and is topped by a lotus flower and a vajra handle. Such vessels are designed to contain ritual substances such as seeds, resins, and powders used during wrathful protective rituals to expel harmful forces. The fearsome motifs evoke the charnel grounds as well as the fierce deities summoned during the rituals.
Of exquisite technical refinement, this vessel most certainly belonged to an important religious figure. Such vessels are found on the tables of tantric officiants.
This cylindrical iron vessel inlaid with golden motifs is composed of three tiers with a rounded lid. The tiers, adorned with macabre motifs –such as human skulls and severed heads, scorpions, and flames– are separated by snakes and garlands of skulls. The lid has the same patterns and is topped by a lotus flower and a vajra handle. Such vessels are designed to contain ritual substances such as seeds, resins, and powders used during wrathful protective rituals to expel harmful forces. The fearsome motifs evoke the charnel grounds as well as the fierce deities summoned during the rituals.
Of exquisite technical refinement, this vessel most certainly belonged to an important religious figure. Such vessels are found on the tables of tantric officiants.