Tibetan Master Buddhist Priest Crown. Cap. Vajracarya. Vajrayana Buddhism. Five Dhyani Buddhas. Nepal.
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Elaborate crowns like this one are worn by Vajracaryas, tantric masters who act as a Buddhist high priests. The Vajracaryas – from the highest part of the caste system of Newari society – are given special training in conducting rituals and religious ceremonies. They are thought to be the most educated and ritually pure.
This crown was worn by the Newari Buddhist Vajracarya by the name of Gurju back in the mid-1900s and through his life. It was handmade by a local artist in Patan (aka Lalitpur) in the south-central part of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
Its richly tooled copper, bronze, and brass metalwork in addition to semi-precious stones and lining, adds to it regal look. I was told there was some gold plating used. The skull faces on the crown represent a Buddha family (the so-called Five Dhyani Buddhas).
The crown will arrive in a lined box, made for it after it went into storage about 20 years ago.
For the Serious Collector. Truly a rare piece. Stands not included.
This RARE piece has been sold. Thanks M.S. !