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Guardians of the Sacred Word

Upper cover from an unidentified manuscript
carved and painted wood , Tibet , circa 1200 - 1300 , 25 x 72.5 cm

While using the same geometric shapes to decorate the outer surface as the preceding entry, the nature of the design in this example is strikingly different. The undulating sculpted surface is richly gilded over a field of red. The central panel shows, to the left, a star-like wheel (cakra) at the centre of a lotus medallion, three jewels in the centre, and to the right, a roundel with two lions. The latter motif is found decorating the altar and throne cloths of the gods and lamas depicted in thangkas of the period.(1) On the outer border, auspicious emblems are borne by flowing foliate scrolls. Two hamsa appear as in other covers, holding flower buds in their beaks, on the upper border. Two makaras guard the opposite border. On the shorter borders, scrolls issues forth from the vase at one end, and from the jaws of the kirttimukha at the other. Hallmarks of early Tibetan art are found in the expression of the mask, and in the form of the umbrella to its left.(2) The concentric circle motif, usually found on the inner surfaces of early book covers, is here employed as yet another decorative element on the outside of this opulent, beautifully preserved manuscript cover.

text and images © Rossi & Rossi

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