Antique Tibetan gilt bronze ritual vessel. In two parts, the cup and base both cast with lotus petals to represent purity undefiled by Samsara. The inner rim of the cup with deep forest green patina and wear from ritualistic use. The lotus base stands on a round, recessed foot.

18th Century

Dimensions: 3 1/4" x 1 5/8" H

Antique Tibetan silver statue of the Tibetan Vajra Buddhist fierce deity Mahakala. He stands on top of two bodies atop a lotus pedestal, wielding two important symbols of Tibetan Buddhism: A dorje and a bell. He wears the skin of a tiger around his waist, a crown of five skulls to represent the Five Poisons- anger, desire, ignorance, jealousy, and pride- transformed into Five Wisdoms. A snake wraps itself around Mahakala's neck and arms. The copper base of the lotus pedestal is embossed with a... Click for details

An original Tibetan trunk, all hand-painted in red pigment with yellow pigment motifs of flowering vines and central mandala wheel. The sides of the chest are carved with foliate edge apron just below the iron locking clasp. The trunk's lid lifts away to access the roomy interior.

18th/19th Century Tibet

Dimensions: 52" x 20 1/2" x 25 1/4" H

Nine prong bronze bell and matching nine prong bronze vajra (diamond / thunderbolt) with carrying case of patchwork cloth. Used together for spiritual ceremonies. Beautifully rendered design with ritual wear. Bell has dorje design on outer rim, with lotus design on inner bell and a bronze clapper. Nice ringing note when sounded.

Provenance: Lama Les of the Orgyen Dorje Den Tibetan Buddhist Temple.

Dimensions: Bell - 3 3/4" x 7 1/4" H
Vajra: 5 1/2" x 2"

Copper kapala with vajra top handle cover lid, its skull base with design of outlines and seams on outer body. Resting on copper triangular stand with three detachable skulls and foliate design in bas relief on body.

Provenance: Lama Les of the Orgyen Dorje Den Tibetan Buddhist Temple.

20th century

Dimensions: 7" x 5 1/2" x 9 1/2" H

Thangka of the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri, the central figure holding her flaming sword. Depicting the five peaceful manifestations of Manjushri, including the wrathful Mahakala as protector deity of the thangka. There are five monasteries depicted in the painting, each with title describing their identity. WuTai-shan, the five-peak mountain, is shown which contains the five monasteries. At the top of the thangka is Tsongkhapa, the Wisdom manifestation. Painted with mineral pigments and... Click for details

One prominent Buddhist story tells of Avalokiteshvara vowing never to rest until he had freed all sentient beings from Samsara. Despite strenuous effort, he realizes that still many unhappy beings were yet to be saved. After struggling to comprehend the needs of so many, his head splits into 11 pieces. Amitabha, seeing his plight, gives him 11 heads with which to hear the cries of the suffering. Upon hearing these cries and comprehending them, Avalokiteshvara attempts to reach out to all those... Click for details

A kartika referred to in Tibetan as a "trigug" or "drigug" is a small crescent-shaped handheld ritual flaying knife, used in the tantric ceremonies of Vajrayana Buddhism. The kartika is said to be one of the quintessential attributes of the wrathful tantric deities. It is commonly known as the "knife of the dakinis". While the kartika is normally held in the right hand of a dakini in Vajrayana iconography and spiritual practice, occasionally it can be seen being held by esoteric male deities,... Click for details

The three-sided style of the phurba comes from an ancient tool used to pin down sacrifices. The phurba has 3 segments to represent its power to transform negative energies. These energies are known as the "three poisons" and are attachment, ignorance, and aversion. The 3 sides of the phurba also represent the 3 spirit worlds and the phurba itself unites those worlds. The handle of the phurba represents "wisdom" while the blade represents "methods".

The phurba symbolizes stability and... Click for details

Antique Tibetan flint carrying pouch (also mechag or chuck muck), made of leather with heavy plaques of silver and gold with inlaid coral front. Motifs of filigree and animals are seen through the silver plating. The backside of the pouch features a central image of a coiling silver dragon. The pouch is suspended by a red leather strap with rivets.

19th century

Dimensions: 5" x 3" x 3" (10.5" from end of strap)