Painted Choksar Prayer Table from Tibet - 19th Century

This beautifully painted Tibetan choksar prayer table dates to the 19th century. Choksars were traditionally placed in front of a family altar and used to support the long Tibetan prayer books from which prayers and religious texts were read or recited, often by a monk on behalf of the family.

The table retains extensive original painted decoration. The front and sides feature floral panels painted against yellow grounds, surrounded by red, green and ochre borders with scrolling designs incorporating flowers and bats. The red-painted top is particularly attractive, decorated with a faded bird amongst flowering branches, its worn surface showing considerable age and character.

An unusual practical feature is the pull-out drawer concealed within one end of the table. Original antique Tibetan choksars are increasingly difficult to find, particularly examples retaining this degree of original painted decoration.

• Origin: Tibet
• Date: 19th century
• Materials: Wood and painted pigments
• Features: Original painted decoration; floral panels on yellow grounds; scrolling floral and bat motifs; painted bird and flowering branches to the top; pull-out drawer at one end
• Condition: Good antique condition with extensive wear, fading and losses to the original painted surface consistent with age and use
• Dimensions: W81 x D37 x H46 cm
• Weight: 13.5 kg