Container
18th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
During the daily puja or worship of deities in Nepal red powder is placed on the foreheads of the image. The use of a Buddhist stupa or chaitya shaped vessel to contain this reflects the great importance of this central symbol of the Buddha's spiritual achievement for all Buddhists.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
Materials and techniques | Cast bell metal |
Brief description | Metal container in the shape of a stupa, Nepal, 18th century |
Physical description | This container in the form of a stupa (Newari: shinomu; Nepali: cholamu) was used for holding vermilion pigment powder. The circular bell-shaped base of the container is decorated with bands of pearl motifs and lotus leaves. The neck is also decorated with bands of small and large pearl motifs on top of which is a shallow cup-shaped container, the rim of which is decorated with a pearl border. On top of the lid is an umbrella of discs in diminishing diameters, suggesting the umbrella form found on top of ancient stupas and symbolising the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). |
Dimensions |
|
Gallery label | Water Pot and Container for Red Pigment
1700–1800
Malla or Shah period
The beauty and careful execution of these vessels are a
demonstration of the expert casting skills of the Newar metalworkers.
The container for red powder (sindur) is associated with the daily puja
or worship of deities in Nepal. It is placed on the foreheads of images.
Bell metal
Nepal
Bequeathed by Oppi Untracht
Museum nos. IS.8, 32-2009
(14/06/2011) |
Credit line | Bequeathed by Oppi Untracht |
Object history | Bequest of Oppi Untracht and formerly in his private collection |
Production | Patan, Nepal |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | During the daily puja or worship of deities in Nepal red powder is placed on the foreheads of the image. The use of a Buddhist stupa or chaitya shaped vessel to contain this reflects the great importance of this central symbol of the Buddha's spiritual achievement for all Buddhists. |
Bibliographic reference | Porvoo Museum - Oppi Untracht, Marjatta Parpola & Asko Parpola (eds): Metal Marvels: South Asian Handworks, Porvoo Museum, Porvoo, Finland, 1993, plate 184, page 93 |
Collection | |
Accession number | IS.8:1,2-2009 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | September 29, 2009 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest