Storage box

Tibetan Ritual Objects

Tibetans created many objects to be used in religious rituals and ceremonies. Monks hold the thunderbolt and bell in their hands during prayers, and such implements are seen in the hands of Buddhist deities. Held in the right and left hand respectively, they represent the wisdom and skillful means without which one cannot be enlightened. The soundings of long horns and conch-shell trumpets summon the monks to prayers every morning, and together with the sounds of cymbals and drums, they punctuate the prayer sessions. Prayer wheels, which come in all sizes, express Tibetan Buddhists’ devotion to their religion. Stuffed with rolled-up prayers, prayer wheels are rotated clockwise, and a rotating prayer wheel ensures that, even when one is having a conversation with friends, prayers are being said. Skull bowls, trumpets, and vessels made of human bones remind devotees that life is impermanent, and they have to work hard for their salvation.

The leather covering of this wooden storage box is painted with an overall design of birds amid flowering and scrolling vines. The influence of imported textiles can be seen in the rectangular border design of interlocking coins. The front panel features a figure holding a tray of jewels. Red and gold, the main colors, are shown against a black background. The box is lined with a stenciled wool felt lining from Mongolia. It has metal mounts, metal lugs on the sides, and a latch that can be secured with a lock.