Libation Jug
17th century-18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This libation jug comes from a set of ritual vessels called Serkyem in Tibetan (transliterated Tibetan: gSer skyems), which were used to make offerings to Buddhist deities. The skilled cutting and polishing of rock crystal, as shown here in the vessel’s body, are normally associated with Nepalese craftsmen. The gilt-copper mounts in the form of a dragon-shaped handle and makara (mythical water creature) spout are also Nepalese in style. The jug may have been made in Nepal or by a Nepalese craftsman in Tibet for a Tibetan patron.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Gilded copper and rock crystal |
| Brief description | Libation jug, rock crystal, 17th or 18th century, Tibet |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Purchased from Imre Schwaiger, Esq. |
| Object history | 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. R.P. 1914-2839M and R.P. 1913-2907M |
| Historical context | Libation jug used for making offerings to deities, this originally formed one of a four part ritual Serkyem (gSer skyems) set. The rock crystal may have been worked in Nepal which had a long tradition of such craftsmanship. |
| Summary | This libation jug comes from a set of ritual vessels called Serkyem in Tibetan (transliterated Tibetan: gSer skyems), which were used to make offerings to Buddhist deities. The skilled cutting and polishing of rock crystal, as shown here in the vessel’s body, are normally associated with Nepalese craftsmen. The gilt-copper mounts in the form of a dragon-shaped handle and makara (mythical water creature) spout are also Nepalese in style. The jug may have been made in Nepal or by a Nepalese craftsman in Tibet for a Tibetan patron. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IM.379-1914 |
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| Record created | March 10, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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