Cover Of A Tibetan Manuscript (glegs Shing). Tibet, 13th Century, Possibly Earlier.

Cover of a Tibetan manuscript (glegs shing). Tibet, 13th century, possibly earlier.

An important Buddhist manuscript cover made of carved wood and formerly gilded. The decoration depicts the Five Tathāgatas (transcendent Buddhas), seated in niches surrounded by foliage, with Vairocana at the center. The composition is framed by geometric friezes of swastikas and a double alternating row of lotus petals, which are particularly fleshy and deeply carved.

Only one side is carved, featuring what appears to be a stylized chorten surrounded by foliage, corresponding to the side that was visible when the manuscript was stored. The reverse side is flat and undecorated, showing significant wear. Traces of gilding remain in the recesses. The wood bears a magnificent antique patina. Pronounced wear, but not unsightly. Very beautiful carving.

The small size, the very simple and solid rendering of the lotus petals, and certain archaic features of the decoration link this cover to early Tibetan works still influenced by the Pāla and Kashmiri artistic traditions.

Tibet, 13th century, possibly earlier.
Carved wood with traces of gilding.
Dimensions: 348 × 145 × 27 mm.