Early 19th Century Tibetan Painted Bible Table

About the Item

Furniture from Tibet has always been quite rare. Except for the wealthy, Tibetans used very little furniture in their homes, and the population of Tibet has always been so small that not much was ever made. Most of it is found in the monasteries. This beautiful Tibetan bible table with original hand paintings is crafted from pine wood. This rare monastery piece has a great patina of painted Buddhist scenes rich with symbolism. The panel with the 2 drawers is designed with 2 facing tigers, the four spoke dharma wheel, and floral motifs. On one panel the painted imagery is of 2 rats, a dragon, lotus and a 4 spoke dharma wheel On the both side panels, they are designed with painted pomegranates. The top of the table is designed with 2 facing dragons, clouds and floral motifs. In Buddhist mythology the Rat is associated with Jambhala, God of material and spiritual wealth. In Buddhism, pomegranates symbolize fertility, abundance, and posterity. The four spoke drama wheel, which is rare, the spokes represent the Four Noble Truths. Tibetan dragons are protectors of Buddhism whose thunderous voices awaken us from delusion. Tibetan tigers symbolizing unconditional confidence, disciplined awareness, kindness and modesty. It is relaxed yet energized; resting in a gentle state of being that has a natural sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, referring to the state of enlightenment. In Buddhism the lotus flower is a symbol of one’s overall purification of thought, speech, and body. Dimension: 31-1/2” wide 13-1/4” deep 14” high.

Dimensions:

Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 31.5 in (80.01 cm)Depth: 13.25 in (33.66 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paint,Pine,Hand-Crafted,Hand-Painted

Place of Origin:

Tibet

Period:

Early 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1820

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.