A TIBETAN CARVED WOOD MANUSCRIPT COVER 18TH CENTURY Decorated with the Astamangala (the Eight...

A TIBETAN CARVED WOOD MANUSCRIPT COVER

18TH CENTURY

Decorated with the Astamangala (the Eight Auspicious Symbols), arranged in pairs within lotus scrolls which flank a large image of a bumpa (treasure vase). The Auspicious Symbols comprise: two golden fish, an eternal knot, a parasol, a conch shell, a lotus flower, a banner of victory, a chakra (wheel) and a bumpa, 23cm x 69cm.

Provenance: a London collection acquired in 2001.

The bumpa at the centre of the composition may suggest that this manuscript cover was made for a book connected with Amitayus, the Buddha of Longevity, as the bumpa symbolises an endless reign of long life, wealth and prosperity.