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 !!