Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A beautiful finial from a Buddhist monk's staff, made of iron with delicate damascened gold gilt forming a series of swirling motifs around the cylindrical, socket-like form. One side features a tab with a heavy ring projecting, used to create noise when it moved to announce the monk's presence. The gilt wraps around the body depicting four identical dragons, in two identical pairs flanking a central linear longevity symbol known as Double Happiness; below them is a series of mountains, each depicted as a series of rolling, concentric curves. The flat head is also decorated with the Double Happiness symbol upon the circular face. Size: 3.375" L x 2.125" W (8.6 cm x 5.4 cm); 4.125" H (10.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-Hawaii, USA collection
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#171690
Condition
Rich patina on the iron surface. Gilt has light wear commensurate with age, but the motifs are well preserved.