Antique Chiense altar cabinet, dating to the early 19th century, retaining much of its original polychrome surface. The façade features two paneled doors framed by deeply carved and shaped side brackets, with remnants of floral and auspicious motifs rendered in red, yellow, green, and blue mineral pigments. These painted designs—now softened and aged to perfection—symbolize renewal, prosperity, and spiritual growth, all central tenets of Tibetan Buddhist art.
This type of cabinet, known as a chöme or altar chest, would have originally served as a support for sacred objects or offerings in a monastery or private shrine. The scrolling side carvings and thick top plank indicate it was built for both visual prominence and ritual function, often placed beneath a thangka or shrine display.
The surface shows centuries of devotion and use, with layers of pigment and timeworn texture revealing the cabinet’s authentic spiritual history. Its sculpted side aprons, subtle asymmetry, and naturally distressed patina reflect the artistry of Himalayan craftsmanship and the passage of time within a sacred environment.

Dimensions: 37" long x 26" high x 17 1/2" deep