
Jing Wen
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Sold for €8,925 inc. premium
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Cataloguer

Global Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art

International Director

International Specialist

Head of Sale, Specialist
A GILT COPPER ALLOY REPOUSSÉ CHITIPATI EMBLEM
MONGOLIA, 19TH CENTURY
蒙古 十九世紀 銅鎏金錘揲屍陀林主法器
This striking object which depicts flames spewing forth from the barred fangs of a skull face with a stylized trishula crowning the top, makes up part of a ceremonial staff. Another similar staff depicts the skeleton headed finial connected to the shaft (see Yixi, Quintessence of Returning Tibetan Cultural Relics from Oversea (Sculpture), 2012, pp. 128-9). Weapons such as these were depicted as implements held by wrathful protectors. The skeleton face would have served as a reminder of the inevitability of death, and the finial trident, as a means of destroying the three poisons of passion, aggression and ignorance.
Provenance:
Estate of M. Koeren (acquired in Asia during travels between 1950-63)
Acquire from Luc Cammoot, Brussels, 2003