ABR 103
Code: ABR 103
Country: Nepal
Style:
Date: 1450 - 1550
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: Unknown
Materials: Gilded human bone
Kapala – Skull cup vessel
The kapala or skull cup is a ritual object frequently encountered in Vajrayana Buddhism. It is an attribute of wrathful or semi-wrathful deities, of dakinis, yogis and mahasiddhas, who use it to contain or drink ritual substances (alcohol, medical nectar or blood).
On this example, the outside of the skullcap is covered with gilded copper alloy except on the inside. Three rings are visible on one end of the cup, possibly to support an now lost ornamentation.
The kapala or skull cup is a ritual object frequently encountered in Vajrayana Buddhism. It is an attribute of wrathful or semi-wrathful deities, of dakinis, yogis and mahasiddhas, who use it to contain or drink ritual substances (alcohol, medical nectar or blood).
On this example, the outside of the skullcap is covered with gilded copper alloy except on the inside. Three rings are visible on one end of the cup, possibly to support an now lost ornamentation.