Thursday, August 14, 2014

Tibetan treasure


Traveling to Tibet has been a long cherished dream for me. Mysterious land with abundant natural beauty, tradition and culture. I am fascinated by the local Tibetan lifestyle- their traditional clothing, wooden houses with beautiful intricate Buddhist carvings, hand painted furniture , unique clothing and costumes. 

Till the time I actually visit the place I am managing my urge to travel by collecting antics from Tibet. This is one of my beloved item from that region. I saw this neglected in a dusty dark corner hiding underneath a small carpet in an antics shop. I loved it instantly. I did a bit of check for authenticity and it was mine for only $20.




The shopkeeper didn't know much about it except that it is scripture storage box from Tibet. It was used a box for storage of the pages of a Tibetan Buddhist Sutra, or other complete text. Inside the box are beautiful Tibetan symbols- auspicious symbol of Lotus flower and tiger. The symbols are made in Buddhist line art.   


Some of these boxes are painted directly on the raw wood while few are covered with leather and some like the one I have is covered with cloth before being painted .Gesso was used to produce raised decorations. Brass corners and iron ring hinges on the sides and top were done as a decorative element. 


It sits happily on my old chess board as a centerpiece on the table. I create wooden vignettes since I have a toddler at home. Its quite practical as it wont break or hurt him if it is picked or fell down from his hands. 

Joining the party at BNOP, Inspire Me tues !!

6 comments:

Susan Freeman said...

It's a lovely box. Such attention to detail. I hope that your dream to one day visit Tibet comes true!

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Unknown said...

It's so beautiful, I love it!

Alycia Nichols said...

Hello, Purnima! This is my first visit to your blog. I am visiting via Susan's Tablescape Thursday.

The gorgeous lotus flower on top of the box immediately caught my eye. What a beauty! I love the color pink, and this is so, so pretty.

So this box is covered in cloth and then painted? No wonder there appears to be such a nice texture! What a great art that is, too! I love the way you have the box juxtaposed on top of the chess board. Very cool display!

I hope you are able to travel to Tibet some day soon! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Purnima@a creative project said...

Thank you ladies for your lovely comments!!

Unknown said...

This is the first time I am visiting your blog! I love the box and that beautiful lotus flower caught my eye immediately! Thank you for showing us this beautiful piece.
Blessings My Friend,

Purnima@a creative project said...

Thanks Elaine, Jamie and Susan!! I love digging treasures.. I am glad you all liked it!! Lotus always adds a oriental/ asian touch of glamour I think!!

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