Offering Set Topper
ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware
Date19th to 20th Century
Made AtTibet Autonomous Region, China, Asia
MediumSilver and turquoise
Dimensions4 1/4 × 2 7/8 × 1 3/4 in. (10.8 × 7.3 × 4.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2021.8.17
DescriptionOfferings are one of many integral practices of Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism. The act of offering is said to give rise to contemplation and gratitude. Both in monasteries and at home shrines, Buddhists may leave offerings of things like flowers, food, water, lit yak butter lamps, small banknotes, and barley grains in trays and bowls of varying size and decoration. This particular object resembles finials commonly found atop multi-level concentric offering bowls known as mandala, which often hold offerings of barley grains symbolic of the treasures of the earth. The topper itself commonly represents the Wheel of Dharma, and together with the trays below it creates a pagoda-like effect.
On View
Not on viewCollections
mid 19th to early 20th Century
20th Century
20th Century
17th to 19th Century
19th Century or earlier
early 20th century
