A PLAQUE FROM A RITUAL COSTUME, TIBET, CIRCA 15TH/16TH CENTURY of crescent-shaped form, depicting a celestial deity kneeling on a lotus with scrolling stem below, 12cm high; 3.7cm max width Provenance: European private collection from the 1940s; acquired London art market by the vendor. Bone aprons formed an important part of Tibetan Tantric rituals and this plaque would have been joined to others with beaded links to form a trellis. See Thomas Holbein Hendley, Indian Jewellery, (Reprint) Delhi, 1991, pl.124 for a typical example.Descriptions in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports and all lots are sold as viewed. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in good condition. Prospective bidders are recommended to request a condition report prior to bidding, wherever possible satisfying themselves in person at the gallery as to the condition of a lot.