Tibetan Antique Tantric Vase - Kapala Ewer For Wrathful Initiation. Human Skull.
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:19443288 | Region of Origin: Tibetan |
| Primary Material: Bone | Product: Ritual Item |
| Original/Repro: Antique Original | Age: 1850-1899 |
A fine example of a very rare ritual item from Tibet, popularly know as a 'tantric vase', or ritual/skull ewer, this item fulfilled the role of a bhumpa in wrathful, tantric initiations.
The reason why there are so few of these seen in public collections (in fact the only one I know of is held by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco - I know of two more in private collections) is because unlike the more commonly-seen kapalas and kanglings, skull drums and bone aprons, these ewers w...ere never intended for public display being somewhat contentious/disturbing, and were viewable only to the initiated, kept otherwise out of view in special cabinets (torgam) in a special room (gongkhang) in monastery chapels specifically for the propitiation of the wrathful deities. Thus when the Younghusband and later campaigns swept through Tibet, few if any of these vases found their way into the hands of 'souvenir collectors'.
These generally date from around the late 19th to very early 20th century, and the two kapala which form the main body of the vase would have come from very highly-respected Lamas. Generally the metalwork found on these items is fairly low-grade and simplistic, but this is a much more elaborate item with good detail on the two makara which form the handle and the spout, and on the eight metal medallion plaques, four of which feature the Four Dignities on one side and the eight ashtamangala (two per medallion) on the other.
The framework is very solid, and though the foot has buckled slightly on one side the piece stands fully-upright, though please note that although inside of the vessel the kapalas are coated with a thick layer of wax this is no longer completely watertight. The chain appears not to be original to the piece but is very sympathetic in its appearance.
This is a very imposing piece standing a shade over 16" tall, and would look perfectly placed in a collection of ritual Tibetan items - this is a rare opportunity to acquire such a piece.
Will be sent very well-packaged by courier, fully-trackable where possible. Happy to send internationally, but please make sure you can legally recieve this item shipped to you if considering a purchase (certainly as far as the US is concerned this cannot ship to New York, Georgia, or Tennessee).
Any questions please feel free to ask, or if any photos from a particular angle are required I'll oblige as far as I am able to. :)
The reason why there are so few of these seen in public collections (in fact the only one I know of is held by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco - I know of two more in private collections) is because unlike the more commonly-seen kapalas and kanglings, skull drums and bone aprons, these ewers w...ere never intended for public display being somewhat contentious/disturbing, and were viewable only to the initiated, kept otherwise out of view in special cabinets (torgam) in a special room (gongkhang) in monastery chapels specifically for the propitiation of the wrathful deities. Thus when the Younghusband and later campaigns swept through Tibet, few if any of these vases found their way into the hands of 'souvenir collectors'.
These generally date from around the late 19th to very early 20th century, and the two kapala which form the main body of the vase would have come from very highly-respected Lamas. Generally the metalwork found on these items is fairly low-grade and simplistic, but this is a much more elaborate item with good detail on the two makara which form the handle and the spout, and on the eight metal medallion plaques, four of which feature the Four Dignities on one side and the eight ashtamangala (two per medallion) on the other.
The framework is very solid, and though the foot has buckled slightly on one side the piece stands fully-upright, though please note that although inside of the vessel the kapalas are coated with a thick layer of wax this is no longer completely watertight. The chain appears not to be original to the piece but is very sympathetic in its appearance.
This is a very imposing piece standing a shade over 16" tall, and would look perfectly placed in a collection of ritual Tibetan items - this is a rare opportunity to acquire such a piece.
Will be sent very well-packaged by courier, fully-trackable where possible. Happy to send internationally, but please make sure you can legally recieve this item shipped to you if considering a purchase (certainly as far as the US is concerned this cannot ship to New York, Georgia, or Tennessee).
Any questions please feel free to ask, or if any photos from a particular angle are required I'll oblige as far as I am able to. :)
