Drinking Bowl (Kapala)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-bowls

Date17th to 19th Century

Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia

MediumBone, silver, coral and turquoise

Dimensions2 × 7 1/2 × 5 7/8 in. (5.1 × 19.1 × 14.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2021.8.7

DescriptionIn Tibetan Buddhism, skull cups or kapala made from the upper part of the human cranium are ritualistic and highly regarded objects. Placed on altars, they function as vessels to hold offerings of blood or wine to deities of a wrathful nature. The cups have the capability to transform elements associated with the ordinary body and mind into the body and mind of an enlightened being, assisting the devoted in the quest for transcendental thought and being. This example is decorated with silver and inlaid with coral and turquoise.

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