Description:

Central / East Asia, Tibet & China, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A pair of ritualistic vessels comprising a miniature lidded Tibetan kapala cup and a Chinese incense burner, both crafted from brass and copper. The kapala (skull cup) is formed from copper and rests on three repousse panels in the form of human heads, supported and reinforced by a copper band. The ovoid bowl is molded to resemble a human skull, and is topped with a matching repousse brass lid. The lid is decorated with a four-headed dorje motif on its domed surface and is crowned with an openwork dorje-shaped finial. Likely intended for use on a personal altar or shrine, the vessel reflects the symbolic role of the kapala in Tantric Buddhist ritual practice. The accompanying incense burner is a tripodal brass pot with petite side handles. The sides are etched with a stylized sinuous dragon motif. A character mark appears on the base, along with a stamped "CHINA" export mark, indicating production in the mid-20th century. Size of lidded kapala: 3" L x 2.25" W x 3" H (7.6 cm x 5.7 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#193824

  • Condition: Incense pot has some patina and encrustations to interior from use. Kapala vessel has green patina and dark toning with indentations and lid does not fit fully flush with the body, but is otherwise in good vintage / antique condition.

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July 25, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

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