Collection place: Xizang autonomous region (Tibet), Tibetan Pleatau, China / Materials: Iron (metal) - Hearst Museum Portal Search Results

Start Over Collection place Xizang autonomous region (Tibet), Tibetan Pleatau, China Materials Iron (metal)

Hearst Museum object titled Altar box, accession number 9-22000, described as This is an altar box, It is a wooden box covered with brass medallions and decorations showing Buddhas and deities. On the inside of the hinged lid is a scene of the Buddha with two disciples, probably Shakyamuni with Shariputra and Madhgalyayana. There is a small Chinese padlock, without a key, attached to the closure fitting. It is similar to the locks numbered T-132.

Hearst Museum object titled Belt, accession number 9-21892, described as Gentleman's belt with gilded iron fittings. The iron loops allow for suspending accessories such as flint and striker sets, purses, etc. Part of the buckle is missing such that the belt cannot be fastened.

Hearst Museum object titled Body armor, accession number 9-21888, described as Two convex iron disks 7 3/4 inches in diameter, 3/4 inch deep and two convex iron disks 6 3/4 inches in diameter, 3/4 inch deep. They are joined together by leather straps with steel buckles. These appear to be some type of decorative body armor.

Hearst Museum object titled Bowl, accession number 9-21862, described as Offering bowl, used for offering water; elegant shape with finely crafted standing base; intricate, geometric pattern that incorporates the auspicious svastika design.

Hearst Museum object titled Bowl, accession number 9-21863, described as Offering bowl, used for offering water; elegant shape with finely crafted standing base; intricate, geometric pattern that incorporates the auspicious svastika design.

Hearst Museum object titled Bowl, accession number 9-21864, described as Offering bowl, used for offering water; elegant shape with finely crafted standing base; intricate, geometric pattern that incorporates the auspicious svastika design.

Hearst Museum object titled Bowl, accession number 9-21865, described as Offering bowl, used for offering water; elegant shape with finely crafted standing base; intricate, geometric pattern that incorporates the auspicious svastika.

Hearst Museum object titled Broken ghanta bell, accession number 9-21903a,b, described as This is an old ghanta bell with a handle of gilded bronze. The bell is made of a five metal alloy to produce a rich, full sound. The bell is badly cracked and the upper part of the bell, below where the handle joins, is completely broken. The striker shows a pattern of wear associated with many years of constant use.The ghanta bell is used in most Tantric rituals. It is held in the left hand and the matched vajra is held in the right. The matching vajra to this ghanta is not present in the collection. It would match upper part of the ghanta handle. The ghanta embodies the feminine principle in Tantric usage, and the vajra is the masculine. The ghanta holds the principle of ultimate wisdom and the vajra, the principle of ultimate compassion and skillful means.Ghanta bells in this collection are numbers: T-23; T-63; T-66; T-67; & T-85

Hearst Museum object titled Ceremonial hat, accession number 9-21933, described as Tibetan aristocrat’s ceremonial hat. This is a hard lacquered hat worn by noblemen on special occasions. There are dragon motifs on the upper surface and motifs of the eight auspicious signs on the lower surface (See: T-251 through T-258).

Hearst Museum object titled Flint and striker set, accession number 9-22031, described as This is a flint and striker set ornamented with turquoise, coral, and a bead of unknown material. The pouch contains flint stones. The iron striker bar is attached to the pouch, which hangs from a cotton cord.