Antique Tibetan painted cabinet featuring eight individually framed auspicious panels, each rendered in original mineral pigments over a vibrant vermilion-red lacquer ground. The cabinet retains its authentic polychrome surface with rich reds, greens, and golds, along with naturally developed patina from age and monastic use.
Each of the eight painted panels incorporates traditional Tibetan auspicious motifs:
Phoenix: A celestial protector associated with liberation from harmful forces.
Cloud and Scroll Motifs: Symbolize the presence of divine energy and flowing blessings.
Mythical dragon Creatures: Traditional protectors conveying fortune, balance, and spiritual guardianship.
Cabinets of this form were traditionally used to store ritual objects, monastic textiles, or scriptures, and would have been found in Himalayan temples or noble households. The strong visual presence, bold color palette, and symbolic depth make this an exceptional example of Tibetan painted furniture.
Age: early 19th Century
Dimension: 56" long x 43" high x 19 1/2" deep