**Originally Listed At $1500**

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 20th century CE. Created by, and probably from, a Buddhist monk taking a human skull and decorating it for Buddhist rituals. Upper section of the human skull (minus the lower mandible). Many of the deities of Vajrayana, including mahasiddhas, dakinis and dharmapalas are depicted as carrying the kapala, usually in their left hand. Some deities such as the Hindu Chinnamasta and the related Buddhist Vajrayogini are depicted as drinking blood from the kapala. In this case the skull has been cut horizontally and hinged to allow it to be used as a cup. It was then decorated with nickel-silver skulls in rows on each side of the cut, with additional lines of skulls around the back. Then a nose, eyes, eyebrows, teeth and ears were added along with nickel-silver lining for the inside of the cup and the interior top of the skull. A faceted glass cabochon is placed at the center of the skull's top. A bit macabre to most of us, but quite acceptable among the Buddhist monks who create such interesting pieces of art. Size: 8" L x 7.5" H (20.3 cm x 19 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Colorado, USA collection, acquired at Sotheby's in 1994

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#117453

Missing a few of the attached skull appliques else generally excellent with nice mellow patina.