Lot 49A
Tibetan Human Bone Plaque of Dancing Citipati Skeletons
Tibetan Human Bone Plaque of Dancing Citipati Skeletons
Starting Bid: $450
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Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A carved bone plaque, known as a rus rgyan, created either from human bone or from a large ungulate such as a yak. The slightly curved form displays extraordinary openwork carving, centered by a pair of animated citipati skeletons dancing atop a lotus petal pedestal, symbolizing the triumph over death in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Below them rests a fierce skull, while the opposite end features a finely detailed kirtimukha head - an auspicious guardian depicted as a monstrous, lion-like face with fangs and a gaping mouth. The surrounding flame motifs frame the central imagery, enhancing the piece's dramatic spiritual symbolism. Size: 6.5" L x 1.8" W (16.5 cm x 4.6 cm)
As noted above, this was probably crafted from human bone, which serve as a symbolic reminder of the Buddhist concept of universal impermanence - an idea that nothing lasts forever and that all living beings eventually face death. These bones, including skulls and other skeletal remains, are typically gathered from celestial burial sites. One such funerary practice, known as bya gtor (meaning "by the birds"), involves placing human corpses on mountaintops - often within designated charnel grounds (durto) - where they are left exposed to the elements or consumed by vultures. This method is widely practiced in Tibet for both religious and practical reasons. According to Vajrayana Buddhism, the spirit departs from the body after death, rendering the physical remains empty and available for the most selfless form of disposal: nourishing other living beings. Additionally, the harsh, frozen terrain of the Tibetan plateau makes traditional burials difficult, while the scarcity of trees limits the possibility of cremation. Some accounts suggest that once the flesh has decomposed or been eaten, the bones are crushed and fed to animals. However, other reports indicate that bones often remain intact on the durto. These open burial sites make it relatively easy to collect skeletal remains for the creation of ritual objects. The practice of bya gtor varies in its execution, leading to discrepancies among sources regarding its details. Furthermore, identifying the specific individuals to whom the bones once belonged is nearly impossible. That said, religious texts prescribe particular types of bones for different ritual instruments. For instance, the thod-rnga, or damaru (a two-headed drum), is believed to be most potent when made from the skullcaps of a 16-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl.
Near complete rus rgyans or tantric dance aprons can be found at the Musee d'ethnographie de Geneve (MEG Inv. ETHAS 025404) and the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco (B60M101).
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Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA
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#197513
- Condition: Chip and small loss to the foot of skeleton. Small area of restoration to the right hand of the kirtimukha head. Patina and natural pitting to bone.
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