AN IRON BOWL WITH COVER AND STAND (KAPALA), TIBET, CIRCA 17TH CENTURY

Iron with gold and silver decoration; the iron bowl in the shape of an inverted human cranium, with a domed cover depicting severed heads, skulls, entrails and organs in overlaid gold and silver on a blackened ground, the rim with flames in gold and silver, the vajra handle secured by a quatrefoil plate decorated with silver skulls, all supported by a three-sided triangular waisted pedestal, one side with silver and gold overlaid flames above and wave forms below, the remaining sides with unembellished linework.



 

The cover is in good condition, at parts traces of the original red paint are still visible on the interior and exterior of the cover. There is minor oxidation and rusting on the interior of the cover due to age, minor wear marks are also visible on the handle. Exterior of the iron bowl has traces of light rusting and scratches, and the interior includes traces of oxidation due to age and minor wear. The stand is in good condition with traces of silver and gold slightly visible on the unembellished sides. As viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The gruesome imagery on the cover of this rare ceremonial vessel indicates that it was used in ritual offerings to the wrathful and tantric gods of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharmapala and the Yidam tutelary deities. The use of the kapala has multilayered significance in Tibetan ritual, ultimately transmuting base desire and ignorance. The iron of the skull cup itself is undecorated to resemble the white fleshless bone of a freshly cut human cranium. The graphic designs of human organs and entrails, severed heads and wildly grinning skulls are masterfully incised on the lid of the vessel in a crosshatched technique overlaid with gold and silver on a blackened ground, (for a similar iron container decorated with gold flames and silver skulls, see Bazin 2003, cat.129). Iron is considered the most powerful medium with which to convey tantric observance in Tibetan ritual.