A RARE PARCEL-GILT SILVER REPOUSSÉ RITUAL CENSER, TIBET, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

A RARE PARCEL-GILT SILVER REPOUSSÉ RITUAL CENSER, TIBET, 18TH-19TH CENTURY The round censer fitted with a long silver handle, the body finely engraved and chased in openwork, surmounted by a dome cover with a bud finial. The body decorated with roundels enclosing the Eight Buddhist emblems (bajixiang) separated by scrolling vines and blossoms. The cover with a beaded rim and key-fret band, similarly decorated with bajixiang in offering bowls separated by an auspicious character. The base engraved with Kirtimukha. Provenance: Old Austrian private collection. Viennese private collection, acquired from the above. Condition: Very good condition with expected wear, traces of use, encrustations, and small dents. Weight: 313 g Dimensions: Length 34 cm (across handle) Expert’s note: This form of incense burner is rare as the majority were suspended from a chain or supported on tripod legs. It is possible the form was intended for processional use. Like many ritual objects, these forms can be found depicted in thangka from the 17th century. Museum comparison: Compare a related Tibetan silver- and gold-inlaid brass censer suspended by a chain, in the Victoria & Albert Museum, accession number IS.44-1965.