VOTIVE STUPA
Silver-plated bronzeTibet, 19th centuryOn the whole, this handy chaitya has a conical form divided into multiple sections, all of which are circular, from the wide base to the bud-shaped tip. Whether a chaitya, stupa or chorten, they are all terms related to the form of a holy building or funerary monument and also symbolize the Buddhist universe and the absoluteness of its transcendental doctrine. This piece‘s decoration is ribbed, geometric or composed of a row of lotus leaves. In the middle is a crown of vajra pointing upwards and almost balcony-like in appearance, above which is a ribbed conic section and, above that, an umbrella-shaped section with lotus leaf and, at the very top, a lotus bud. On the bottom is the closure with vishivavajra.Dimensions: HEIGHT 17.6 CMCondition: Remnants of cultic painting; patina; well and completely preservedProvenance: Riccabona collection