LARGE ANTIQUE BUDDHIST PRAYER WHEEL – TIBET – EARLY 20th C.

This antique hand prayer wheel or prayer mill originates from Tibet.

The hand prayer wheel or in tibetan Mani khorlo (also called Mani wheel or Dharma wheel), is a mechanical device the use of which is equivalent to the recitation of a mantra. The prayer wheel consists of a metal cylinder and a handle which also serves as axis and life tree around which the cylinder can revolve, being set in motion by a small weight which is attached to it by a string or chain. The cylinder contains a paper roll, wrapped around the life tree, on which many buddhist texts and prayers are printed or written. Each clockwise turning of the wheel by hand is equivalent in efficacy to the prayer’s oral recitation multiplied by the number of times the mantra is printed on the scroll.

This prayer wheel having a bamboo handle with white metal end and metal and shell discs shows a copper cylinder covered with hand sewn leather and decorated with a white metal band studded with three glass or coral and turquoise cabochons. The prayer wheel is crowned by a lotus bud that is chased with petal-like detailing. The cylinder cover opens to reveal a thin paper scroll inscribed with mantras and a weight on a chain assists the cylinder’s spinning action.

Age: early 20th C.

Size: 47 cm long, diameter cylinder 11.3 cm.

Weight: 774 gr.

Condition: This object is in good condition taking into account his high age except the copper part has some small dents. Good signs of long time use and good high age patina. 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.

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