Large Painted Tibetan Dragon Storage Chest - 18thC

Tibetan antique furniture with original painting was always unusual to find but is incredibly difficult to come by. This very decorative dragon chest is one of the best we've found and part of a collection recently acquired by Indigo Antiques. 

This piece is at at least 18^th century and the painting style is textured which was uncommon to find on early chests. This piece is an excellent example of the high quality Tibetan painting techniques and features a writhing dragon surrounded by clouds scrolls clutching flaming jewels. Double Dorje (thunderbolt) symbols which represent the fourth Dhyani Buddha. The Double Dorje is a symbol of harmony and being actively compassionate to others. 

Unusually for Tibetan chests, the sides and top of this piece are painted. 

Tibetan chests and trunks were used as storage in homes and monasteries. Boxes are normally made from cedar, pine or poplar. If they are painted it is usually just the front and 2 sides. They can either be painted directly on the wood or on older pieces onto a fabric applied to the wood. The colours and designs used are very decorative.

From Tibet

110 x 41 x 66 (wxdxh cms)

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