Painted Floral Choksar Prayer Table from Tibet - 19th Century

This antique Tibetan painted choksar dates from the 19th century.  This particular prayer table is decorated with central flaming jewels on a lotus, delicate floral paintwork spreads out from the center. Each end is also decorated, one with a floral design and the other with a 'Fish-otter'. The Fish-otter is a mythical creature, part of a trio of hybrid animals that make up 'the three victorious creatures of harmony' in Tibetan mythology. These creatures are the merger of natural predator & prey animals. On the other side, a scratched out image - either a phoenix or perhaps a Garuda. 

The back panel conceals a secret compartment to reveal an internal storage space.  
 
Choksars (as with antique Tibetan furniture in general) are becoming increasingly rare. 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.

From Tibet

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