Nepal
mid 20th century
Nepal
mid 20th century
These elegant bowls on raised stands, etched with symbols of good fortune, are used for ceremonial purposes and in symbolic daily offerings. Each day the practitioner would fill them with water to represent the traditional seven offerings: pure water for drinking; water for washing; fresh flowers; incense; an oil or butter lamp as the illumination of wisdom; perfume; and food. Sometimes, the Tibetan food offering is symbolic and takes the form of a cake made from roasted barley flour, dyes, and butter.Each bowl in this silver set includes a stem shaped like a stylized lotus pedestal. Each bowl features four medallions, and each medallion depicts two of the Eight Auspicious Symbols.
Photo by Dave de Armas
The Himalayan kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley were significant centers of Buddhist culture. Nepalese kings, Buddhist institutions, and ordinary people patronized the vibrant art guilds. The artistic traditions of the regions are well-known in Tibetan areas and beyond, and Newar artists have always been in high demand throughout Tibetan regions and Inner Asia.
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