Silvered Tibetan Dragon Storage Chest - 18th Century Campaign Furniture Painted in soft natural pigments

Painted in soft natural pigments on paper and preserved within a simple wooden frame

5 x 102 cms (wxdxh)

The story of Skhanda Purana states that the Kirtimukha was a demon born from the blaze of Shiva's third eye

The hints of black pitch (a tar like substance) was used to protect from a previous life adding an extra layer of depth and contrast making the carving stand out further

all framed by foliate spandrels and a scrolling floral border

Silvered Tibetan Dragon Storage Chest - 18th Century Campaign Furniture Painted in soft natural pigmentsThis very decorative monastic chest is from Central Tibet and dates to the 18th century. Unusually this piece has a silver background instead of the more popular gold. Often silvered boxes are coated with a yellow varnish to imitate gold. Silvered boxes are very uncommon. The main feature is a single four claw dragon holding wish granting cintamani jewels which represent wisdom. The front facing dragon clearly emulates the Chinese Imperial dragons.