An excellent example of an antique Tibetan painted choksar dating from the 17th century and one of the oldest we have encountered. This particular Choksar is decorated with beautiful floral carvings with a central lotus flower. The early dating of this piece can be attributed to similar pieces found in 'Wooden Wonders: Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life' by Kamansky where multiple examples were carbon dated with attributions between 15th - 17th century (specifically fig 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15). 

The front of this table is carved with elaborate foliage with a central red lotus. Layers of red and yellow pigment allude to a more colourful past. This style of a choksar is a rare but well known form. The cabriole legs of these table gave these tables the name kyisu, meaning 'dog legged'.

Early choksars are some of the rarest of Tibetan furniture. Choksars were used as prayer tables by monks for reading scrolls and books. A yak butter lamp would be burnt regularly which is why so much Tibetan furniture is covered in a sticky residue. Our expert team has sensitively restored this piece, cleaning the residue whilst retaining its age and patina.

References: 

Similar examples can be found in:

'Tibetan Furniture: Identifying, Appreciating, Collecting' by Chris Buckley fig.22 

Auspicious by Design by C. Corona, plate 94.

Wooden Wonders: Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life by Kamansky (plate 102).

For further information on Tibetan symbolism, see Tibetan Buddhist Symbols by R Beer.

From Tibet

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