Painted Altar Cabinet from Tibet - 19th Century

An excellent example of a 19^th century Tibetan altar cabinet. This genuine example of a well used altar cabinet retains its true age and patina. A perfect piece for a collector of Tibetan furniture and art and rare to find these days.

Painted using traditional Tibetan earth pigments it has a wonderful depth of colours. It's constructed using the floating panel technique. The panels depict the Offerings of the Five Senses blossoming from the lotus flowers. From left to right, on the top row; touch (ribbons), sight (a mirror), sound (a four-stringed lute), smell (smouldering incense). On the bottom row, four panels depict taste (various fruit including a myrobalan). These offerings were given to the presiding lama.

The lotus is the symbol of perfection and spiritual purity that grows from the mud into a beautiful flower. All of this is surrounded by lingzhi, the Chinese cloud ear fungus.
The construction is a mix of cedar or pine, sourced locally.

Altar cabinets did not become common in Tibetan furniture until the 18^th century. It would have been used as a family altar and for storage of religious scrolls, silk ceremonial clothes, family jewellery and precious yak butter, which is burnt in small lamps during prayers.

Original antique Tibetan cabinets are now very rare and there are many fakes on the market made in the late 20th century.

 

From Tibet

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