Tibetan Painted Wooden Snow Lion Chest

Early to mid. 19th century, Utsang province, Tibet

Fabulous aged Tibetan small-sized wooden chest. Extraordinary sloped shape, with scallop edged lid and reinforced with decorative brass metal work along the edges. Small portable chests like this were used for storing or transporting valuable treasures, while traveling or in the home. This gorgeous object is an excellent example of the high quality Tibetan painting techniques and features a mongooses spitting colored jewels. Both sides with the intricate Snow Lions designs and the Three Precious Jewels symbols. The mongoose (Sanskrit nakula, Tib. ne'u-le) or "treasure mongoose" (Tib. gter-gyi ne' u-le), which disgorges a shower of jewels from its open mouth, is a main left-handed attribute of wealth deities, such as Jambahala, Kubera, or Vaishravana. As a traditional enemy of Nagas and snakes (both treasure guardians), the mongoose is usually seen spitting out colored jewels of wisdom or Cintamani. The Snow Lion (Tib. gnyan/gangs seng ge) is the national emblem of Tibet. It resides in the eastern Himalayas and represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind freed from doubt, clear and precise. The body of the Snow Lion is pure white while its flowing mane, beard, tail, and foot fluffs is either blue or green. The Three Jewels or triple gem (Sanskrit triratna, Tib. dkon-mchog gsum) are The Buddha, the fully enlightened one (the yellow jewel), The Dharma, the teachings expounded by the Buddha (the blue jewel), and the Sangha, the monastic order of Buddhism that practise Dharmas (the red jewel). 

Beautiful small chest are in excellent condition. Leather covered wood with original clasp. The interior is unfinished. Repaired. Deep dark patina. A newer layer of varnish on the older paint surface. Age-related wear and light scratches. Size approx. 27,5cm x 38,5cm x 22,0cm.

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols, Robert Beer, Serindia Publications, 2003.

In the Presence of Masters: Wisdom from 30 Contemporary Tibetan Buddhist Teachers, Reginald A. Ray, Boston, Massachusetts: Shambhala Publications, 2004.

A View on Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism Symbols. (https://viewonbuddhism.org/symbols_tibet_buddhism.htm)