Lot 47
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. An extensively carved wooden book cover depicting five Buddhas displaying various mudras, seated upon lotus thrones and surrounded by mandorlas, in the central register. This central panel is surrounded by an elaborate border of several patterns - beaded, fretted, and the largest border comprised of a wavy motif, all carved in relief. A beautiful piece from a spiritual tome with wonderful patina. Size: 21.375" W x 6.75" H (54.3 cm x 17.1 cm)
The Michigan Museum of Art hosted an exhibition of 35 Tibetan book covers dating from the 11th to 18th centuries. According to the curatorial statement, "To honor the Buddha, as well as to accrue good merit toward a future rebirth, elaborate book covers were frequently commissioned, most commonly made from carved, painted and often gilded wood. Works of handheld relief sculpture, Tibetan book covers were lavish productions that reflect the intense devotion with which Tibetans regard books." Their contextual essay continues, "Tibetan book cover design has a history of more than a thousand years, during which stylistic influences from Kashmir, India, Nepal, Central Asia and China were fused into a uniquely Tibetan creation. In turn, Tibetan innovations such as the covers large sizethey are often more than two feet long and a foot wideand amount of embellishment later influenced the covers of Mongolian and Chinese books."
Provenance: private Maui, Hawaii, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#124701
- Condition: Age cracks and losses as shown. In particular there is a section of loss to the right border and other smaller chips around the periphery. Expected surface wear with areas of earthen encrustation.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |