Offering stands are a type of shrine furniture. This example has open sides and a front face carved with jewel and floral motifs that were painted and probably gilded. The upper section that extends from the back of the stand shows a deep carving of a “face of glory” (kirtimukha) framed by a three-lobed arch that culminates in a motif of flaming jewels. A carved decorative plaque featuring three large jewels crowns the shrine. The lower two ledges of such stands are typically used for butter lamps and other offerings, while the upper ledge might accommodate small sculptures.

Artwork Details

Title
Shrine Stand (Butter Lamp Stand)
Dimensions
68 1/2 × 44 × 16 1/8 in.
Medium
Ground mineral pigments, wood and metal
Origin
Tibet
Classification(s)
furniture
Date
18th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2011.14a-c
Published references
* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. (New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014). Pp. 248-249

Begin your search...

Merit

Concepts

In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.

See more

Ritual

Concepts

Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.

See more

Tibetan Regions

Region

Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.

See more

Sign up for our newsletter

Your gateway to Himalayan art and its insights, with stories and news from the Rubin.

Discover artworks, articles, and more by typing a search term above, selecting a term below, or exploring common concepts in Himalayan art.