This antique Tibetan prayer table is an incredibly good example of a pegam with its original painting, dating from the 19^th century. Pegams were used by monks for reading manuscripts and they are rare to find today. Painted in the traditional way with stone and mineral pigments.

The chest is constructed from Himalayan cedar wood and painted with kyungbur raised gesso work. The body of the cabinet has three phoenixes symbolising the midday sun of the south. This imagery was likely inspired by Chinese culture. Until relatively recently Chinese officials and emperors were dedicated patrons of Tibetan monasteries and temples funding the Tibetan Buddhist arts. 

Below, there is an original drawer with a foliate design and the scalloped back panel depicts a painted Zeeba / Zipak / Kirtimukha, a monstrous floating demon head. Known as the 'Monster of Greed' (T'ao t'ieh in Chinese), 'Creature Without a Name', or 'Face of Glory'. The story of Skhanda Purana states that the Zeeba was a demon born from the blaze of Shiva's third eye. When his prey, Rahu repented and was forgiven for his sins, Zeeba was ravenous and devoured its own body leaving just the head and hands remaining. Shiva henceforth requested he remains as a guardian to his doors for all eternity. 

Pegams (as with antique Tibetan furniture in general) are becoming increasingly rare. Our expert team has sensitively restored this piece, cleaning the residue whilst retaining its age and patina.

Dimensions:

68 x 37 x 61 (wxdxh cms)

Further Reading:

For similar examples see Auspicious by Design: A Collection of Antique Tibetan Painted Furniture by C Corona - Plate 48 and Wooden Wonders: Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life by Kamansky (plate 106).

For further information on Tibetan symbolism, see Tibetan Buddhist Symbols by R Beer. 

From Tibet

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