Though the traditional practice of Tibetan "sky burial" is well known. But in some areas of Tibet the Buddhist practice of cremation is also used for some individuals, and The ashes are placed in a box made specifically for that purpose. This cremation box dates to the 18th century and has carved line decoration on the sides... It is made so that the top is keyed to the bottom and slides open from one end...

A very rare Phurba ritual dagger of purple zitan wood with three heads of protectors on the top, a central vajra in the handle and the head of a garuda holding the triangular blade. Tibet, 15/16th century. L 28 cm. Condition: Good wear and only a few minor chips.

This Tibetan shrine shaped gau (aka prayer box) is actually a religious shrine. When not being worn as an ornament during festivals, it would be kept in the prayer niche of the family home. The back of the box slides open. Frequently, a special prayer i.e. sutra pages would be placed inside. The small glass window at the front displays a Tsa tsa, which is a clay statue of a Buddhist Diety. These statues were made only by the monks and considered to be a holy relic...

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

Head of Citipati, made of embossed bronze with gilding on the front and red painting to enhance the eyes. Fine green patina in the recesses and on the back. The head is pierced on its top and lower side to allow not to be worn on a necklace that was used by a Tibetan lama or oracle particularly during the Cham ceremonies and dances. Tibet, early 19th century. Height: 7.5 cm. Very good condition.

Hand painted on cotton mounted on wood with metal bound corners, metal hanging ring, decorated paper on reverse. Undated, estimated to be late 19th century or earlier. 35 x 35 cm. Can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

8 Pages of a Tibetan painted manuscript. 5 paintings of Demons on each page. Undated, estimated to be 17th century or earlier. Approx size 28x 12 cm. Edges damaged and some paint loss, check images closely, can be viewed in central London and shipped worldwide.

A carved and painted Tibetan wood brush used by Buddhist monks for the destruction ceremony of sand painted Mandalas. Made from carved and painted hardwood with animal hair and a copper loop. Condition: few traces of usage, good patina, small chip. Dimension: total length: 20.8 cm, 11.7 cm wide, 3 cm deep.

Two Tibetan stem platters for ritual offerings, made from hardwood with metal sheet. The center decorated with a wheel, one of the eight Buddhist Symbols. Torma are cone shaped ritual food offerings sculpted in a variety of shapes and sizes, mostly made of flour and butter. Condition: traces of usage, one piece with an old repair (was broken in two). Dimension: diameter: c. 19 cm, height: 6 cm and 7.3 cm, weight: 1200 g.

A votive prayer container in silver with the a Tibetan bronze character in relief on the front. The silver is incised with leaf and flower patterns. The inside has a votive tablet bronze tablet of a Tibetan god astride a makara. There are also 2 prayer sheets, one hand-lettered, the other block printed.

Period: 19th Century

Size: 12.75 centimeters high

Condition: Very good. Natural patina.

A votive portable prayer altar with a bronze botisattva on the front, in relief, sitting on a lotus pedestal. it is surrounded by incised leaf and flower patterns. Inside is a statue of Buddha and there are two prayer sheets (one hand printed and one block printed).

Period: 19th Century

Size: 13 centimeters high

Condition: Very good. Natural patina

Antique Tibetan hand-carved wooden deity mask of Mahakala, a guardian diety, the fierce and powerful being and counterpart to Kali / Mahakali. His name means "Greater than Time" as he upholds ultimate rule and power over all forces, including time and death. This hand carved mask is indeed very fierce looking, with signs of wear and traces of old lacquer all throughout. Some losses.

Age: 19th century

Size: 10" L x 6" W x 11" H

Antique Tibetan vajrakila phurba, a Buddhist sacred dagger "believed to be capable of transmuting vice and egocentrism into benevolent compassion. According to legend, Padmasambava introduced the magic dagger to Tibet to subdue forces hostile to Buddhism." (Bonhams Auction Tues. June 28, 2016 page.14.) Made of iron and copper alloy.

18th/19th century

Size: 8 1/8" long.

A wooden carved Tibetan mask. The art of Tibetan masks can be classified into religious type and folk type. Exorcising masks were initially held to drive away ghosts and evil spirits. Later were used in local operas. Size: 27cm X 13cm.

A wooden carved Tibetan mask. The art of Tibetan masks can be classified into religious type and folk type. Exorcising masks were initially held to drive away ghosts and evil spirits. Later were used in local operas. Size: 27cm X 17cm.

Decorated with Buddhist symbols and a Yama mask. Dimensions: 11x8x4 cm. From a Dutch private collection.

Rare Tibetan antique skull drum called a damaru (or damru). Two skulls make up the two sided drum connected in the middle. Two small beads at the end of thin cords attached in the center beat the drum when it held upright and twisted. A long silk sash (chopen) decorated with two tassels and auspicious symbols hangs from the center. The damaru is a sacred instrument adopted from the Hindu tantric practices of ancient India...

A rare example of the wellknown Tibetan cups, with high quality repoussé silver depicting Buddhist symbols and a mask at the bottom.. H. 5,5 cm. Diameter 12 cm. This piece dates from the 19th to early 20th century. Made of high grade silver. Good age wear.