A SILVER AND GILT-COPPER EWER AND COVER TIBET, 18TH CENTURY

of double-gourd form, decorated around the body with lobed cartouches enclosing yellow Jambhala and the 'Eight Buddhist Emblems' on a dense scrolling floral ground

As visible in the catalogue photo, the lower section of the cover where it meets the main body is a little dented, but it still fits well. Some rubbing to the gilding, tarnishing to the silver and other general surface wear and bruises.
"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."

This ewer is notable for its ornate form and decoration and may have formed part of a monastic setting or lay household shrine for pouring liquid offerings during daily rituals, initiation ceremonies and other rituals. A slightly smaller silver ewer of this type, but with incised decoration on the body rather than cast in low relief like the present, in the Tibet Museum, was included in the exhibition Treasures from Snow Mountains. Gems of Tibetan Cultural Relics, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, 2001, cat. no. 102. Compare also a parcel-gilt silver pear-shaped ewer, with a related handle and dragon-head spout, inset with gilt-accented cartouches enclosing a dragon, in the Rubin Museum of Art, New York, coll. no. C2011.11.