Page 59 - 2020 September 23 Himalyan and Southeast Asian Works of Art Bonhams

628
A GOLD DAMASCENED IRON BOWL CASE
DERGE, EASTERN TIBET, CIRCA 15TH CENTURY
Together with an embroidered silk-lined cover.
Himalayan Art Resources item no.16826
6 in. (15.5 cm) diam
$8,000 - 12,000

德格 藏東 約十五世紀 鐵鋄金盒

This highly detailed case has an intricate openwork design depicting
the long, sinuous body of a dragon undulating through dense vegetal
waters and emerging skyward with its face at the center of the lid.
The base has a central shou symbol. An embroidered silk-lined box
cover, possibly original to the container, has survived with it. The
workmanship is characteristic of decorative metalwork from Derge in
Eastern Tibet, and its subject speaks to Derge’s proximity to China.

Metal containers of this type were used by nomadic Tibetans to
protect their treasured Chinese jade and porcelain bowls during
travel. The fittings on either side allow for a leather strap to secure the
container to a person or horse. Two closely related bowl cases were
sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 20 March 2001, lots 144 & 145, and
another is in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, (Chen (ed.), Splendid
Accessories of Nomadic Peoples, Taipei, 2017).

Provenance
Private US Collection, acquired in 1990
Private Californian Collection

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