Antique Tibetan Bhumpa - Silver Ritual Vase (Old Bhumpa)
The bhumpa is one of the central ritual vessels of Tibetan Buddhism. Held by a lama during empowerment and blessing ceremonies, it contains consecrated water or saffron-scented nectar that is sprinkled or poured to purify and bless practitioners. Its form - a rounded body, slender spout and domed lid - is both functional and symbolic, and a fine bhumpa is treated as a sacred object in its own right.
This older example pairs a dark, richly patinated metal body with elaborate silver repoussé mounts. The domed lid and flared foot are densely chased with lotus and scrolling foliage, the sho...
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Full Description
This older example pairs a dark, richly patinated metal body with elaborate silver repoussé mounts. The domed lid and flared foot are densely chased with lotus and scrolling foliage, the shoulder is worked with figural and auspicious motifs, and the handle rises in the form of a mythical makara dragon. The contrast between the blackened body and the bright, hand-worked silver is striking, and the softened high points speak to genuine ritual use. A commanding altar piece and a rewarding object for the collector of Himalayan ritual art.
