Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A miniature Kapala, a ritual cup carved from shell, with its interior lined in silver and its rim adorned with bezels of coral and turquoise. The shell is intricately carved with a wrathful deity, trampling a prone figure, with multiple arms holding a trident, a strand of citipati skulls, and a skull headdress. In Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism, Kapalas are traditionally made from human bone, typically the top of the skull - the word kapala translates to "skull." However, materials such as turtle and conch shells are also used in their creation. Conch shells, particularly the body whorl area, serve as an ideal substitute, as they share a similar shape and carry their own symbolic significance within Hindu-Buddhist culture. Historically, conch shells were used as trumpets and are frequently depicted in deity iconography, as well as being one of the eight auspicious symbols. Size: 3.125" L x 2.5" W (7.9 cm x 6.4 cm); silver quality: 84% to 97%

Please note that approximately 10% cadmium has been added to the silver exterior rim to assist with molding the silver. Cadmium is a toxic metal; handle with care.

Provenance: private New Jersey, 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.

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#190892

  • Condition: Patina and dark toning to silver. Some minor abrasions to silver and pitting to shell. Approximately 10% cadmium was added to the silver along the rim, cadmium is a toxic metal; handle with care.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

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January 17, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000