for a teabowl, Iron with gilding, Kham, probably Derge, Eastern Tibet, c.17th-18th century

Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq.

This was part of a collection of Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan art objects that was purchased in 1913 from Imre Leonard Schwaiger was a well-respected London and Delhi-based dealer in gems, jewellery and eastern works of art. He was of Hungarian descent and, as a young man, he travelled to India where he became expert in appraising them, later becoming the foremost dealer and agent in such objects.
He built up a list of important clients and was friends with Jacques Cartier, looking after Cartier's interests in Delhi and acting as the company's agent in the purchase of gems, jewellery and objets d'art. Schwaiger was also responsible for introducing Cartier to all of the maharajas and other royals during his visit to India for the Dehi Durbar in 1911.
Imre Schwaiger developed a close working relationship with both the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum, assisting them with a number of acquisitions. He also generously donated a number of valuable objects to both institutions.

Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq., 39, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1912-3057M

This hinged case was used to protect the jade or jadite teabowl of a nobleman during journeys. The pierced decoration of dragons amidst dense foliage is typical of the high quality of Derge, a former semi-independant kingdom in Eastern Tibet.

This hinged iron case was used to protect the jade or porcelain tea cups of Tibetan noblemen when travelling. The cups were wrapped in cloth or wool within the case. The pierced-work top, with its snaking dragons amid delicate scrollwork, is typical of the high-quality metalwork of Derge, a former kingdom in eastern Tibet (Kham).

IM.162-1913