Nepalese Dragon Wall Mounted Incense Burner

Incense burner depicting a bronze dragon head, Nepal / Tibet, early 20th century. Provenance: Claude de Marteau Estate H 21 cm x W 19 cm x D 16 cm Weight: 1.765 Kg The Tibetan or Nepalese dragon is described in local traditions as a solitary entity endowed with rare intelligence. It is capable of discerning truth from lies and transmitting profound thoughts. In spiritual stories, this mythical creature is said to have the power to awaken consciences, notably by helping individuals better understand reality. Although ordinarily invisible, it can manifest itself through a dazzling flash, intended to bring beings out of their inner confusion and guide them towards a more accurate vision of the world. An emblematic figure among the four mythological animals of Tibetan Buddhism, the dragon embodies spiritual power. Its roar, far from being threatening, is charged with benevolence: it pierces illusion through sound and sharpens our auditory perception, thus revealing hidden dimensions of reality. Contemporary cultural presence Legend has it that Tsangpa Gyare, a renowned meditation master and spiritual ancestor of Zhabdrung Namgyel, founder of Bhutan, visited a village in the Nam region with the aim of establishing a place of practice there. Upon his arrival, he is said to have observed nine dragons rising into the sky, whose departure resounded with a startling rumble of thunder. This phenomenon is said to have inspired the name of the place. Even today, the image of the dragon is omnipresent in Tibetan sacred art. It is found engraved or painted on ritual objects such as prayer wheels or votive flags, but also sculpted on the roofs of monasteries and traditional houses. It is considered a powerful talisman, bringing prosperity and protection. And while in the West, the representation of dragons tends to evoke fear, many Asians perceive them as benevolent and helpful. See this Nepalese dragon wall-mounted incense burner in full screen mode on Vintage Addict