Michael Backman Ltd - Home
Polychrome, Inscribed Wheel of Dharma Dish
Tibet
18th-19th century
diameter: 21cm; height: 3.4cm
Painted dishes from Tibet such as this example are highly unusual. It comprises red, brown and black polychrome over a lacquer, wood or bamboo base. It
has a relatively high rim and a raised ring-mat foot.
The design is based on the Tibetan wheel of dhama - the wheel is a symbol of the Buddhist teaching relating to the Four Noble Truths and the Transcendent
Wisdom teaching of absolute selflessness and the Idealist teaching of discrimination between existence and non-existence. The centre has a double yin-yang
pattern, which stands for wisdom and compassion. The lotus flower that surrounds the central yin-yang roundel has eight petals. These stand for the branches
of the eightfold noble path: realistic view, intention, speech, livelihood, action, effort, mindfulness and meditation.
Possibly such a dish would have served as an altar dish.
The reverse of the plate has in Tibetan script an inscription which says 'This object was offered to the residence of Lhundup Tagtse by the steward'.
References: Thurman, R., & D. Weldon, Sacred Symbols: The Ritual Art of Tibet, Sotheby's/Rossi & Rossi, 1999.
Inventory no.: 867
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Polychrome, Inscribed Wheel of Dharma Dish
Tibet
18th-19th century
diameter: 21cm; height: 3.4cm
Painted dishes from Tibet such as this example are highly unusual. It comprises red, brown and black polychrome over a lacquer, wood or bamboo base. It
has a relatively high rim and a raised ring-mat foot.
The design is based on the Tibetan wheel of dhama - the wheel is a symbol of the Buddhist teaching relating to the Four Noble Truths and the Transcendent
Wisdom teaching of absolute selflessness and the Idealist teaching of discrimination between existence and non-existence. The centre has a double yin-yang
pattern, which stands for wisdom and compassion. The lotus flower that surrounds the central yin-yang roundel has eight petals. These stand for the branches
of the eightfold noble path: realistic view, intention, speech, livelihood, action, effort, mindfulness and meditation.
Possibly such a dish would have served as an altar dish.
The reverse of the plate has in Tibetan script an inscription which says 'This object was offered to the residence of Lhundup Tagtse by the steward'.
References: Thurman, R., & D. Weldon, Sacred Symbols: The Ritual Art of Tibet, Sotheby's/Rossi & Rossi, 1999.
Inventory no.: 867
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
