RARE COPPER PRIEST CROWN WITH SILVER REPOUSSE WORK – TIBET (KHAM) - 19th C

This antique object is a rare ritual priest crown originated from eastern Tibet (Kham region). 

This richly decorated Tibetan ritual crown is very rare because of his shape. In contrast to the traditional helmet, it has the shape of a crown to which a central conical structure without steps or tiers was added, crowned with the bud of a lotus flower (instead of the traditional half vajra). This type of headdress is very unusual.

This ritual headdress was probably the property of a tantric master and consists of copper with gorgeous silver or possibly silver plated copper repoussé work, inlays of stones (corals, turquoises, rubies) or coloured glass beads, decoration with various Buddha figures, stupas, ashtamangala, Kirtimukha and cintamani.

The bottom rim of the headgear is decorated with the Ashtamangala and on the front (below the central Buddha figure Vairochana) with the head and hands of Kirtimukha (in Nepal called Chepu), the all consuming, symbol of greed and also considered a protector deity. The Ashtamangala or the eight auspicious symbols represent the offerings made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha immediately after he gained enlightenment. Kirtimukha and the auspicious symbols are separated by floral repoussé ornaments inlaid with stones or glass.

Above the bottom rim there are five repoussé mandorlas richly decorated with floral ornaments, stones or glass cabochons, jewels or conches. In the centre of each mandorla, a gilded Buddha figure is seated in vajrasana posture on a lotus throne showing different mudras with their hands. These five Buddhas, known as Pancha Buddha or the Five Dhyani Buddhas are Vairochana (he is placed in the centre as supreme Buddha), Akshobhya, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava and Amoghasiddhi. They represent five different qualities of Shakyamuni Buddha. They are not historical figures, like Gautama Buddha, but transcendent beings who symbolize universal divine principles or forces. The five mandorlas with the five Dhyani Buddhas are separated by four repoussé stupas provided with the eyes of the Buddha and decorated with repoussé work and stones or glass.

On the back side of the helmet a cintamani (the gemstone of wish-fulfillment) can be seen. This is the magical jewel, which provides the owner with whatever he wishes for, and is also used as a symbolic image for the activities of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

To the front of the copper cone-shaped structure is a stupa attached, also provided with the eyes of the Buddha. On the left and right sides are angelic shaped creatures with wings and a jewel in one hand (Buddhist Devas?). Four floral strips run from bottom to the top to end at the petals of the lotus flower.

The top is crowned with the bud of the lotus flower, symbol of purity, renunciation, enlightenment and rebirth.

Sold with its wooden stand.

Age: 19th C.

Size: height about 25 cm, bottom diameter 21 cm.

Weight: 1975 gr.

Condition: This  object is in good condition taking into account his high age, with deep age natural patina and age-related signs of wear by long time ritual use. Some of the stone or glass inlays are missing and there is some abrasion due to the high age. The colour of the silver is black because I didn’t clean up the silver or silvered parts. Look carefully to the pictures, which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.

The description and explanation of the item have been made in good faith and to the best of my knowledge. The dimensions are measured manually and are therefore approximate. Colors may differ slightly from the original colors. This is a private sale as I am not a professional seller; I am a collector who liquidates his collection. Therefore, I do not accept returns unless in very exceptional cases. In any case, the return costs are to be paid by the buyer. I hope you will understand this. Please don’t hesitate to request before purchasing all information you need. Your satisfaction and positive feedback is very important to me. If you have any problems with the item or services, please feel free to contact me first before you leave negative feedback. I will do my best to solve any problems.

By purchasing this item, the buyers expressly declare that they are fully aware of the regulations and laws of their own country regarding the import of the purchased goods and that the seller cannot be held responsible for any costs or for any problems that may arise in their own country such as for example, the payment of taxes and duties, or the seizure or even the destruction by the customs or other authorities.

Combined shipping: If you would like to buy several objects at the same time, combined shipping is possible if those objects can easily be stored in the same package. In principle the shipping costs will only be charged once.