I have located yet another of these rare burners / censers – although a bit smaller – but just as fascinating!
Around the turn of the 19th Century and into the 20th Century, little is known or recorded about the monasteries that were built by the Sherpas in Solu-Khumbu. The following overview provides an indication of the historical depth of the settlements and founding of monasteries by the Tibetan Sherpas in Solu-Khumbu. History of this time and location was noted in genealogies and communicated verbatim with life stories of Lamas and heroes generation by generation.
It really was not until 1973 that Corneille Jest and Wolfgang Korn formed an expedition to map the location of many of these “unknown” monasteries in Northeast Nepal.
I am told that this censer came from Sherka Monastery. I will send a map with the purchased item.
I like this hefty hanging incense burners because of the composition and stunning detail. Superb workmanship around the lid, upper crown, caldron, dragon handles and base.
Tibetan incense burners have a more specialized use . . . . incense was used for primarily medicinal purposes. The burning of Tibetan incense is still considered the foundation of their medicinal practices. Tibetan incense burners are usually in the form of censers, which are meant to hang and dispense their smoke, and are sometimes carved ornately. This censer can be placed on a flat surface also. I do not clean a piece like this so it will be delivered with a number of years of burnt incense. Even with some minor imperfections, this is a Museum Quality piece.
For the Serious Collector of Tibetan Artifacts. As always, this item is unlikely to be found elsewhere . . . but EsotericStuff. Stand is not included.
The Yali has sold. Many thanks to K.G. !!!