Lot 219
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A rare Buddhist ritual mala or prayer bead necklace strung with thick discoidal bone beads, very likely human skull in origin. Such adornments are associated with wrathful-deity practices and esoteric rituals, where human bone served as a reminder of impermanence and the cycle of death and rebirth. The beads are arranged on a cotton cord, accented with brass rings, and terminate in leather tassel cords adorned with high-quality silver beads of approximately 90% purity. Each end is finished with a rosette bead set with inset coral and turquoise cabochons, stones symbolic of vitality and spiritual protection. A powerful and evocative ritual object that reflects the intersection of Tibetan artistry, symbolism, and sacred function. Size strand length doubled: 20" L (50.8 cm); tassels are 6.5" L (16.5 cm); bone beads: 0.5" L x 0.2" W (1.3 cm x 0.5 cm); silver quality: 89% to 91%
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Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA
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#197518
- Condition: Pitting and ossification to bones as expected with age. Dark patina to bone and leather. Rubbing and softening to silver beads. Leather is still supple.
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |