Libation Jug thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

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
  • Height: 14cm
Credit line
Purchased from the dealer Imre Schwaiger, Esq., 39, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W
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
  • Tibetan art / John Lowry. London: H. M. Stationery Office, 1973 p. 83, cat. no. 36
  • Ayers, J. Oriental Art in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London 1983, ISBN 0-85667-120-7 p. 91
Collection
Accession number
IM.379-1914

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Record createdMarch 10, 2003
Record URL
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