A true tantrik (a doctrine of enlightenment of the oneness of one’s self and the visible world; combines elements of Hinduism and paganism including magical and mystical elements like mantras, mudras and exotic rites; especially influential in Tibet). Kapala were made from a human skull bone / cap, decorated with metals / gems and used as a bowl in rituals. The skull caps were filled with blood and flesh and Deities were summoned to partake of the blood and flesh of the demon.
More recently, the human skull cap was replaced by ritual metals and Himalayan natural crystal. You can see the human skull cap (O-5738) and other varieties of the crystal kapalas on my site. Many have sold. Sadly, the Chinese have jumped on the bandwagon and are manufacturing many that look like the “authentic” ones . . . and selling them at a premium price.
This one was made in the early 1960s in the Katmandu Valley and eventually found its home with a tantrik family in the same area of the Valley.
It’s considered “master” because of its age and the fact that it was handcrafted under strict ritual and spiritual guidelines.
For the Very Serious Collector of Tibetan rare and ritual objects.