Antique Tibeten Cabinet

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1920: item #1026064
DK11

This cabinet is probably a form of Yangam, used in rituals invoking protection because of the image of Mahakala painted on the doors. Mahakala, the protector Deity of Tibetan Buddhism helps those who propitiate him overcome obstacles to their spiritual practice. Late 19th-early 20th century, 32" H x 44 1/2" W x 19 1/2" D.

Idu Mishmi flat basket

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1970: item #957058
2098

Fine and rare old rattan basket from the Idu Mishmi ethnic group from Arunachal Pradesh, India. In India they are primarily animist but in China where they are known as the Lhoba have strong spiritual affiliations with Tibetan Buddhism, also it should be pointed out that the men are the principle basket weavers, while the women do the textiles. Google “Bamboo and Cane Culture of Arunchal Pradesh” and you will get a good description of this regional craft. As Sino/Arunacha... Click for details

Antique Tibetan wooden food container

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1900: item #719747
TBN002

A Tibetan food container, circa the 19th century. The cylindrical food container is made of wood, with butterfly, dragonfly and floral designs on the lid cover and vine scrolls on the body. With a height of 6 inches including lid cover and diameter of 5.5 inches, the food container is in very good condition, with some light scratches on the brim. It still smells slightly of yak butter.

Antique Tibetan small leather carrying bag

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1800: item #719441
TBN001

A Tibetan small leather carrying bag, circa the 18th century. Made of tough and thick (yak?)leather, the bag is used for carrying jewelry and other valuables. The bag, measuring 6.5 inches in length x 3.5 inches in width x 4.5 inches in height, is in very good condition over-all, although it has apparently lost some bottom metal clasps. The front metal hasp could be a later replacement. The bag still smells slightly of yak butter.

Tall Copper Water Urn From Nepal

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1990: item #678833
08-31

Made of handbeaten copper, lidded urns in this design are used for household water storage in Kathmandu, Nepal, where many homes do not have running water. Daily trips to community wells are made, usually by women, who carry water home in narrow necked vessels, then pour it into containers like this. Copper vessels of all sorts are made in Patan, the artisan section of the city, where small back streets echo with the sounds of copper and other metals being beaten into bowls, pots, utensils, vats... Click for details

Old Kukri Silver Presentation KOTHIMODA Nepal

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1920: item #272294
3013

AN OLD SILVER MOUNTED KUKRI, KOTHIMODA, NEPAL.

This type of mounted kukri is known as a kothimoda. Generally for presentation to a dignitary or retiring officer, sometimes to mark some heroic event when the recipient’s personal kukri would be richly mounted. From my reading of the subject these kothimoda are quite rare.

The wooden s... Click for details

TIBETAN Gilt / Iron Bowl Case, 19thC.

Indian Subcontinent: Himalayas: Handicrafts Pre 1900: item #96016
2516

TIBETAN IRON BOWL CASE, 19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER.

A friend has asked me to offer this unusual Tibetan bowl case, made from iron in order to protect the owner's tea or food bowl whilst travelling. The bowl features four quatrefoil lobed pierced lotus panels and the lid has a recessed pierced roundel, also depicting lotus scroll. Other flower scrolls are chased into the iron and decorated with either gold or silver... Click for details