Lot 46B
Tibetan Silver Dragon Ewer w/ Turquoise, Lapis, & Coral
Tibetan Silver Dragon Ewer w/ Turquoise, Lapis, & Coral
Starting Bid: $500
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Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A magnificent silver ewer of elegant baluster form, inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral cabochons, its surface richly adorned with repousse and chased scrolling motifs. The vessel is defined by its dramatic dragon-shaped handle, the beast's scaled body arching in a sinuous curve and terminating in a fierce head at the rim, jaws agape and whiskers finely chased. Opposite, the spout is anchored by another dragon head at its base, completing the symmetrical pairing of guardians. Bands of turquoise and lapis tesserae, alternating with strings of coral cabochons, accent the body and foot, their vivid hues contrasting beautifully against the polished silver ground. Such ewers were produced for both ritual and secular use in Tibet, often employed in Buddhist ceremonies for pouring libations or as prestigious display vessels in monastic and aristocratic households. Size: 5.5" L x 3" W x 5.75" H (14 cm x 7.6 cm x 14.6 cm); silver quality: 85%; weight: 312.1 grams
The dragons embody strength, protection, and cosmic authority, a potent symbol in both Tibetan and broader Himalayan art. The lavish combination of silver with precious inlays underscores the wealth and status of its original owner, while also situating the ewer within a long-standing Tibetan tradition of repousse silverwork and polychrome inlay. The present example, with its bold form, intricate repousse work, and intact semiprecious stone inlays, epitomizes the refinement of Tibetan metalwork in the 19th century.
Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA
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#197504
- Condition: Missing inlays in areas with some chipping, nicks, and fissures to present inlay. Abrasions and weathering to surface, commensurate with age, but, otherwise, very nice presentation with good remaining detail. Scattered patina in areas.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $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 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |