Advanced Search
Advanced Search
Red wooden cabinet with doors closed. Small depiction of people painted at the bottom
View: Closed
Red wooden cabinet with doors closed. Small depiction of people painted at the bottom
Red wooden cabinet with doors open showing many, closely-packed ceramic votive figures inside. Small depiction of people painted at the bottom
LICENSE IMAGE
SHARE
ORDER PRINT
DOWNLOAD

Miniature Shrine

Tibetan, Buddhist
18th–19th century
Object Place: Tibet
Medium/Technique Wood (juniperus tibetica), clay, pigment, brass
Dimensions 86.5 x 56.5 x 15 cm (34 1/16 x 22 1/4 x 5 7/8 in.)
Credit Line Harriet Otis Cruft Fund
Accession Number17.67
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAsia
ClassificationsReligious and cult objects
DescriptionMiniature shrine: polychromed wood cabinet with two doors that open to reveal numerous small terracotta Buddha figures that are adhered to the rear interior wall. The exterior of the shrine is painted on the facade in red and gold, with dancing celestials on the panel beneath the door opening. The edges around the door opening are chip-carved and painted in black and red. Some of the Buddha figures are painted in gold and blue. These small molded terracottas are probably votive figures, mass produced at pilgrimage sites for use as offerings, amulets, and souvenirs.
Provenance1917, purchased by Ananda Coomaraswamy for the MFA. (Accession Date: January 4, 1917)