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14thC Tibetan Book Cover. Superb example- Unique Early Tibet Relic

$9,500
£7,215.48
€8,336.27
CA$13,314.59
A$14,901.53
CHF 7,777.46
MX$181,721.90
NOK 99,540.84
SEK 94,228.16
DKK 62,212.46
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About the Item

14thC Tibetan Book Cover. Superb example. Evidence of likely having been turned into a shelf or other piece of furniture during the Cultural Revolution to hide it from being destroyed. As seen in the photos--evidence of dowels on the back, small notch cut in the front. Note the remarkable central figure. When I bought this twenty five years ago, the front was almost all grey/black. One night I got the strong feeling there was something underneath, so I took some museum wax and a soft cloth and gently rubbed on the surface for nearly an hour, and very slowly the eyes, lips, and horns, plus the red and gold design around the edge all gradually appeared out of the abyss. The hair on my arms literally stood up as the eyes of the creature appeared (after almost twenty five years of only knowing this as a dark shadowy figure it was coming alive!). I've seen no other book cover like it. Significant wear but this n no way takes away from the beauty of this amazing piece. Also, the main figure is remarkably intact. The paint shows other things- birds and other stylized designs. Size is 28 3/4 inches by 10 1/4 inches for the book cover only and a little over 13 1/2 inches tall when on its custom base museum-level stand. Best of my collection!!
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.25 in (26.04 cm)Width: 28.75 in (73.03 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    14thC
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Ukiah, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 82181stDibs: LU5669236806442

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