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.
Collection place:
Tibet
Verbatim coll. place:
Tibet
Culture or time period:
Tibetan
Collector:
Theos C. Bernard
Materials:
Brass (alloy), Iron (metal), and Wood (plant material)
Object type:
ethnography
Function:
5.0 Use not specified (Ritual, Pageantry, and Recreation)