Antique Tibetan thangka painting of Green Tara, one of the manifestations of the bodhisattva of protection. The central figure of Green Tara is flanked by bodhisattvas while the Amitabha Buddha is seated directly above her head. Below Tara are a fierce deity with mortal attendants carrying offerings...

DESCRIPTION: “Tibetan Art: Tracing the Development of Spiritual Ideals and Art in Tibet, 600 – 2000 AD” is a treasure trove of the creativity Tibet has harbored over the centuries. Amy Heller places Tibetan art into an historical and social setting, and has richly illustrated this work with over 120 color and 147 black and white photographs...

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"

"Vajra" is a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond. Additionally, it is a weapon won in battle which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force). The vajra is essentially a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs may meet in a ball shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab...

Tibetan thangka painting in reverence to the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. When he is shown having four arms, he is called Chaturbhuja Avalokitesvara. This is his most commonly depicted form. Chatur + bhuja are the two Sanskrit words that mean 'four arms.' He holds a white peony flower in one raised hand, and a stand of mala beads in his other. He is surrounded by various other bodhisattvas, including Mahakala, his wrathful form, below...

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...

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

Tibetan gilt bronze Buddhist statue, of a wrathful deity assumed in the tantric Yabyum position with his female consort. Below the pair is a Garuda vehicle, devouring the Naga (snake), while a human figure is crushed underneath. They are all raised on a lotus platform, with mixed metal bottom and floral impression.

Mid 20th century

Size: 12" L x 7.5" D x 13" H

A gilt copper repousse figure of Garuda, finely worked with outstretched wings, his hands in the Karan mudra or demon-expelling mudra. He wears long necklaces hanging from his neck, with matching arm bands and wristlets. The front of the figure with gold gilt, blue, green, and orange pigments with black and white pigments for the eyes. Garudas are protectors and enemies of the Naga or serpents.

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

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"...

A lacquered wood manuscript cover with the rectangular panel carved with scrolling foliate tendrils with a carved vase in the center. Age: 18th Century. Size: L. 37cm. H.14cm. Condition: Normal ageing with and old chip on the left edge and age crack on the right side.

A complete old Tibetan ladies purse made of Yak leather and inlaid with silver and gilt carvings with a center piece of Turquoise. The front has carvings of two fish (representing the beginning of life)and flower design. The back has a center tree design. There is a silver woven chain attached to the top for carrying. Very rare to have this. Age: Late 19 Century. Size: Leather purse. See last photo. Condition. Very good.No repairs. Normal ageing.

Tibetan thangka, or scroll painting, of a mandala, which is a spiritual symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism representing the universe. Mandalas are very architectural in design and are based upon the form of a stupa. Mandalas are meant to be meditated upon to reach enlightenment, and are generally shown as a large circle with four gates or arches to be entered mentally...

Tibetan hand-woven seat cover, once would have used by a Buddhist priest. The region of Ningxia supplied the Buddhist monasteries of western China and Tibet with these rugs. The textile with central four prong vajra, with vajra corner guards and a simple guard band border. Hand-woven wool with cotton.

18th century

Dimensions: 28" x 29"

A beautiful Tibetan temple carpet.The center with a beige background features flowers and leaves that bloom in joyful colors throughout the center. The stems of these flowering plants emanate from the abstract mountains at the 4 corners of the central frame. The floral center is framed in a large blue & white keyfret pattern that features 4 large pairs of abstract colorful flowers within the frame. The design is represented in happy colors of pinks, oranges, reds, and blues. Size: L.164cm...

Antique Wood Tibetan or Nepalese Drum Handle, mythical carved Totem, similar to a Phurba with stand.

Provenance LA Collection
Dates 20th century
Size 17.25" x W 2.5" x D 1.125"

A necklace of 26 large Tibetan turquoise beads ranging in color from delicate greenish-blue hues to a vibrant turquoise blue separated by silver rings. Each bead has its own attractive matrix and nice patina from years of wearing. The necklace was bought together with the two glass dZi beads and two red coral beads in Lhasa, Tibet. It was restrung again recently to give it strength.

Period: 19th Century...

Very interesting and unusual Tibetan Thangka (also known as a scroll painting) depicting the bhavacakra, or wheel of life, representing samsara (cyclic existence). Thangkas are often found on the walls of Buddhist temples and are meditated upon in order for monks to reach enlightenment. The bhavacakra has different layers, each with a different meaning: The first and center layer represents the three poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. The second layer represents karma...