Painted Tibetan Chest - 19th Century

This decorative Central Tibet monastic chest dates to the 19^th century. Its central image depicts the three jewels (dkon-mchog gsum) sprouting from a blossoming lotus surrounded by flowing intricate floral patterns. This chest is constructed of cedar & pine wood with original hand beaten iron bindings and a brass latch. 

Tibetan chests and trunks were used as storage in homes and monasteries. The better quality pieces are painted onto fabric on wood like this one. Often these chests were used in temples or as family altars for storing religious scrolls, silk ceremonial clothes, family jewelry, and yak butter used in lamps. Often people would gift painted furniture to temples as offerings.

The Three Jewels in Tibetan art represent the body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas and collectively form the purified body, speech, and mind (conduct, words & thoughts). 

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.

The hinges are old but likely from the early 20th century. 

From Tibet

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