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THB19th C. Tibetan Silver & Gilt Brass Skull Oracle Crown
About Seller
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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About Auction
LiveMar 20, 2025
Explore a world of classical antiquities and ethnographic masterpieces, with treasures from every corner of the globe. Discover Egyptian relics, Greek and Roman artifacts, Etruscan elegance, Near Eastern wonders, and Asian heritage. Marvel at Pre-Columbian marvels, Native American artistry, African tribal expressions, and Oceanic cultural gems. Spanish Colonial legacies, Russian craftsmanship, and a spectrum of fine and visual arts await, offering a captivating journey through history and artistry, connecting cultures across time. Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisgallery.com
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- Lot Description
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A dazzling silver Oracle's crown adorned with 4 silver skulls, several gilt brass leaf panels, and inlays of turquoise and coral. The metalwork is intricately tooled and chased with elaborate foliate and flame-like designs, while the repousse band has additional relief skulls and intricate lotus and foliate patterning. Red velvet padding lines the interior, adding comfort for the wearer, and a pair of velvet straps extends from the end, allowing it to be tied to one's head. Tibetan oracles traditionally wore crowns like this example while performing trances. Oracle trances are an elaborate ritual which involves invoking spirits through music, dance, gestures, and sacred words. Each skull symbolizes one of the Dhyani Buddhas ("wisdom" Buddhas) from the Vajrayana Buddhist pantheon, representing aspects of wisdom and reflecting impermanence and the pursuit of enlightenment. Size: 9" L x 7.1" W x 6.7" H (22.9 cm x 18 cm x 17 cm); silver quality: 97%
Oftentimes sculptures of bodhisattvas assuming their wrathful form are depicted donning similar skull headdresses.
Cf. Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, S2017.60a-f.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired from 1990 to 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
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#192628Condition
Missing central skull. Chipping to some inlays and age-commensurate surface wear as shown. Light patina throughout and nice remaining detail.
- Shipping Info
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