Carved Tibetan Prayer Table from Central Tibet - 18thC

This excellent and unusual carved antique Tibetan prayer table is from central Tibet. It dates to the 18th century. Carved Tibetan furniture is far more prominent in Southern Tibet and this piece has clear influences from the town of Kyrong on the border of Nepal. Larger Tibetan prayer tables like this are sometimes called chog tri when used as offering tables and were often associated with high lamas and people of importance. This style of furniture was usually found to the right of their thrones and would hold ritual impliments.

Originally this piece was gilt and remnants of the gilt polychrome can be seen on the sides. The front panel depicts two confronting dragons in scrolling foliage guarding the cintamani (ten auspicious jewels).

Similar examples can be found in Wooden Wonders: Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life by Kamansky (plate 39) and in The Rubin Museum (object # C2012.5).

Antique Tibetan furniture is becoming increasingly rare and is often found covered in a sticky residue. This is due to the continual burning of yak butter lamps. Our expert team has sensitively restored this piece, cleaning the residue whilst retaining its age and patina.

From Central Tibet

Dimensions:
111 x 47 x 61 (wxdxh cms)

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