Teapot, brass copper silver, Buddhist emblems, Tibet, 19th century.

Teapot of hammered brass, with applied openwork mounts of repoussé copper and silver parcel-gilt. The vessel has a globular body, with a short cylindrical neck, and dome-shaped cover attached to the body by two chains. The outward curving spout is in the form of a mythical water monster or makara, and the handle represents a dragon clinging onto the bowl of the teapot. On either side is an applied panel of lobed outline enclosing the mythological sky spirit garuda with outspread wings, grasping snakes in his beak and claws. Around the shoulder and the neck are emblems from the "Eight Auspicious Emblems" and the "Seven Buddhist Gems".

Given by Mrs A.E. England, New Barn, Horwood, N. Devon

From a Monastery near Leh in Ladakh.

Given by Mrs A.E. England, New Barn, Horwood, N. Devon. 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. 1921-1925

From a monastery in Leh.

Elaborate teapots with handles in the form of dragons and spouts issuing from the jaws of mythological water monsters ('makara') were found throughout the Tibetan cultural area in slightly differing styles. They were used only on special occasions such as weddings or other ceremonies or for an important visitor.

IM.154-1921