19th C. Tibetan Silver & Turtle Shell Kapala

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Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art

By Artemis Fine Arts

May 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-05-01 10:00:00 2025-05-01 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Fine Antiquities, Asian, Ethno, Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/fine-antiquities-asian-ethno-fine-art-19334
Showcasing an extraordinary array of artifacts and art, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Asian, Pre-Columbian, Native American, Tribal, Oceanic, Spanish Colonial treasures, fossils, fine and visual arts, and more! All ancient items are ethically sourced and legally available for sale. Enjoy the ease of in-house shipping for a seamless experience! Artemis Fine Arts info@artemisfinearts.com

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• Lot Description
  Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A smallish Kapala, a ritual cup carved from shell or using human skull caps. In this case the shell of a turtle was used as the cup, with applied wrathful deity in white brass, sharpened fangs ready to snap, a strand of citipati skulls along the lower jaw, and wide eyes, one still set with original coral pupil. In Tantric (Vajrayana) Buddhism, Kapalas are traditionally made from human bone, typically the top of the skull - the word kapala translates to "skull." However, materials such as turtle and conch shells are also used in their creation. Conch shells, particularly the body whorl area, serve as an ideal substitute, as they share a similar shape and carry their own symbolic significance within Hindu-Buddhist culture. Historically, conch shells were used as trumpets and are frequently depicted in deity iconography, as well as being one of the eight auspicious symbols. Size: 5.25" L x 4" W x 1.625" H (13.3 cm x 10.2 cm x 4.1 cm)
  
  Provenance: ex-private San Pedro, California, USA collection
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
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  #193366

  Condition

  Loss to a few skulls along periphery, denting and staining as shown, one coral pupil missing.
• Shipping Info

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