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- 89 Pendant, Large Earring and Pair of Small Earrings
late 19th/early 20th century silver, inlay of turquoise Gift of Mrs. H. R. Gale AGGV
Earrings were sometimes hung from both the ear and the hair to support the weight.
90 Manicure Sets
late 19th/early 20th century
silver filigree, right�also with turquoise
and animal claw
Gift of Mrs. H. R. Gale
AGGV
These manicure sets of tweezers and tooth and ear picks, with chains and designs in repousse, were typical items which would hang from the belt of a Tibetan.
91 Belt
15th century
leather, iron, inlay of brass, gilt, I. 89 cm Brian S. McElney Collection
This rare leather belt of fine quality is mounted with six large damascened iron plaques, two chatelaines for the suspension of objects, and buckle attachments. The four lobed diamond-shaped plaques (see detail) have various Buddhist emblems being held by sinuous horned dragon-like creatures. The two ruyi sceptre-shaped plaques have Buddhist decorations and are connected to suspended plaques. All the pieces have inlaid classic scroll borders. This type of metalwork is associated with the eastern Tibet town of Derge on the border with Sichuan.
92 Ding Incense Burner
15th century
iron, inlay of brass, ht. 6.7 cm Brian S. McElney Collection
This miniature incense burner is in the shape of an ancient ritual bronze vessel called ding. It has geometric, floral and figurative inlay designs using a similar technique as the belt [no. 91]. This piece was probably produced at Derge for either the Chinese or Tibetan market. It has a Chinese inscription on the base, which states that it was made during the reign of Emperor Xuande (1426-35) of the Ming dynasty.
93 Tea Brick 20th century 24 x 19 cm Private Collection
Tea is a vital part of a Tibetan�s diet. It is usually imported in the form of a brick from western China. First the tea leaves are sun-dried, allowed to ferment, then steamed and put into a mould under great pressure with rice water added to make it
solidify. To make tea, the Tibetans tear off a piece of the brick, boil it and mix it with salt, soda, yak butter and some tsampa, making a bitter, salty beverage.
94 Teapot
19th century
brass, copper, silver wash, ht. 30.3 cm Gift of Mrs. H. R. Gale AGGV 58.52
This decorative teapot, which was probably made in Derge, may have also been used in religious ceremonies. The domed lid, with a lotus bud-shaped knob, has a decoration of lotus petals at the top and two mongooses (an emblem of wealth) alternating with two birds at the bottom. The neck of the vessel is decorated with a band of two garudas alternating with two kinnaras amidst floral scrolls. The shoulder has designs of two makaras, a kinnara and a monster mask. On either side of the vessel�s body is a medallion of a coiling dragon-like creature. The spout emerges from the mouth of a makara and the handle is in the shape of a makara. The footrim is decorated with a bird and three Tibetan snow leopards.
95 Teapot
19th century
copper, silver, ht. 30.6 cm Gift of Mrs. H. R. Gale
AGGV 58.51
The knob of the lid of this elegant teapot is in the shape of a lotus bud emerging from petals. The domed lid has a decorative band of lotus and floral scrolls, while the rim of the vessel and spout have the swastika motif, which symbolizes the endless movement of life. Both the neck and the shoulders of the vessel have relief decorations of various Buddhist symbols (e.g., Eight Jewels) amidst floral scrolls.
96 Teapot
late 19th/early 20th century brass, copper, gilt, ht. 27.8 cm Private Collection
This teapot, which has flat shoulders, has a plain handle and decorative trim of floral scrolls on the neck and spout bottom. The knob on the lid is in the shape of a lotus bud.
97 Teapot early 20th century glazed earthenware, ht. 24.7 cm Gift of Miss Eleanor Kunderman
VM 1988.11.117
In sharp contrast to the elaborately decorated metal teapots, this plain earthenware teapot was for the daily use of commoners. A metal lid is chained to the handle.
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