Painted Tibetan 'Flaming Lotus' Storage Chest - 18th Century

This decorative Central Tibet monastic chest dates to the 18^th century and is published in the book Tibetan Furniture: Identifying, Appreciating, Collecting by Chris Buckley. It has a central 'flaming lotus' design surrounded by a typical quatrefoil frame infilled with traditional geometric brocade designs. The flaming lotus is a symbol of Buddhist belief. The blossoming of a lotus symbolises enlightenment, purity, and reaching enlightenment from mundane existence. Lotus is called pema in Tibetan and is one of the eight auspicious precious objects. The edge of the chest is framed by a coin design. The top has a heavily worn yin & yang design symbolising balance, and harmony. The designs are created in luxurious kyungbur raised gessowork suggesting this was an expensive commission by a wealthy patron for a monastery. 

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.

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.

References:

Published in Tibetan Furniture: Identifying, Appreciating, Collecting by Chris Buckley, pages. 71 & 114, figure 115.

Dimensions:

118 x 49 x 67 (wxdxh cms)

From Tibet

UK Delivery Charge - except Highlands & Islands £80
More delivery options available at checkout