The mystical Dzi beads are implements of ancient Tibetan and other Asian cultures for several hundreds of thousands of years. Dzi beads are believed to hold magical properties bringing prosperity and protection to whomever wore these beads. They are also thought to hold medicinal properties, and so can be characterized by the "dig marks" left over the surface of the bead, where a small portion has been scraped away to be ingested. The Dzi bead has patterns of 9 white "heavenly eyes", considered... Click for details

Antique Tibetan gilt bronze statue of a wrathful male and female deity in tantric Yabyum pose. The pair stands on six Naga or snakes atop a gilt bronze lotus pedestal, with copper bottom impressed by a four prong vajra. Dates from the 19th century.

Provenance: Acquired from the Ashby Estate.

Dimensions: 6 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 8 1/4" H

Rare antique Tibetan painted chest with a trapezoid form, with lift away lid, and leather straps. The front of the chest is hand-painted in pigments of red, green, yellow, depicting a mythical creature with conch shell and flowers.

Mid to Late 18th Century

Dimensions: 54" L (widest point) 40" L (narrowest point), 17 1/2" D x 26" H

A Tibetan bronze ceremonial bell, with a gilt vajra shaped handled, finely cast with the image of a bodhisattva's head, the top of the bell with low-relief Sanskrit characters on lotus petals, small vajra pattern along the fluted edges of the bell, and an inner lotus petal design with signature inside the bell where the clapper hangs.

19th Century Tibet

Dimensions: 3 3/4" x 7 1/4" H

A Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze statue of Maitreya, regarded by this world as a future Buddha in succession after the current Sakyamuni Buddha. Tradition teaches that Maitreya is a Bodhisattva who will one day appear on earth to achieve enlightenment and teach the pure dharma. The Bodhisattva is seated on a double-lotus pedestal to represent purity untouched by Samsara, the copper base impressed with a four point vajra to represent the four poisons of the earthly realm.

Late 18th Century... Click for details

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