A PARCEL-GILT COPPER REPOUSSÉ RITUAL EWER, DUOMUHU,... Lot n° 5

A PARCEL-GILT COPPER REPOUSSÉ RITUAL EWER, DUOMUHU, TIBET, 19TH CENTURY Meticulously worked, the cylindrical teapot rising to a monk’s cap-shaped rim surmounted by a circular cover with lotus petals and a gilt bud finial, linked to the handle by a chain. The handle and spout cast in the form of a fierce Makara beast and a dragon with sharp fangs. The body is finely decorated in elaborate repoussé work with gilt detailing on a ring punched ground, depicting two rows of panels enclosing floral blossoms borne on leafy stems, dragons, bajixiang (Eight Buddhist emblems), and topped by a front facing Makara bearing a fierce expression. Provenance: Viennese private collection, acquired in the French antiques market. Condition: Good condition with wear, manufacturing flaws, minor nicks, dents, and small repairs at the handle. Weight: 1,611 g Dimensions: Height 33 cm The duomuhu shape is derived from the bey lep prototype, which was used for storing butter tea in Lamaist monasteries. Duomuhu, meaning ‘bucket for snow’ in Tibetan, were used in Tibet for storing butter and making the traditional buttered tea for Buddhist ceremonies. Originally made of wood with metal bands, they were occasionally depicted on 19th century Thangka alongside other vessels. The formerly wooden vessels became prestigious works of art under the Kangxi emperor, made out of silver, gold, porcelain or cloisonné, who did so as part of his campaign to display his utmost devotion and political commitment to the patronage of Tibetan Buddhism. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related brass and silver repoussé ewer in a similar form and with similar decorations, 31.5 cm high, dated to the 19th century, in the Vicotria & Albert Museum, accession number IM.4-1925.