Enquiry about object: 7176
Tibetan Silver-Mounted Eating Bowl with Filigree & Coral
Eastern Tibet early 20th century
diameter: approximately 14.2cm, height: approximately 6.8cm, weight: 386g
Provenance
UK art market
This fine Tibetan eating bowl is of burlwood, probably rhododendron burlwood, with high-grade silver mounts.
The interior is entirely covered with plain, hammered sheet silver.
The lower section of the outside of the bowl is covered in sheet silver overlaid with fine whirls of silver filigree, inset with four gilded silver plaques embossed with double dorje (thunderbolt) motifs, and set with four red coral cabochons in box settings.
The bowl sits on a round foot, the sides of which are encased in silver that are decorated with a band of silver wire ‘arches’.
The underside of the foot is encased in silver that has been chased with a large double dorje motif.
The silver mounts on the lower section of the bowl have been edged with pearled silver wire.
Such bowls were for eating and drinking. A bowl decorated in this fine manner was intended for an aristocratic owner.
The bowl is in fine condition. The interior silver shows plenty of signs of use. Overall, it is a decorative and unusual example.
References
Proser, A., (ed.), Pilgrimage and Buddhist Art, Asia Society Museum/Yale University Press, 2010.
Reynolds, V. et al, From the Sacred Realm: Treasures of Tibetan Art from the Newark Museum, Prestel, 1999.
Sheeks, R., ‘Tibetan and Mongolian tsampa boxes’, Arts of Asia, March-April 1996.
