{"product_id":"antique-painted-tibetan-altar-cabinet","title":"Painted Altar Cabinet from Tibet - 19th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example of a 19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century Tibetan altar cabinet. This genuine example of a well used altar cabinet retains its true age and patina. A perfect piece for a collector of Tibetan furniture and art and rare to find these days.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePainted using traditional Tibetan earth pigments it has a wonderful depth of colours. It's constructed using the floating panel technique. The panels depict the\u003cem\u003e Offerings of the Five Senses\u003c\/em\u003e blossoming from the lotus flowers. From left to right, on the top row; touch (ribbons), sight (a mirror), sound (a four-stringed lute), smell (smouldering incense). On the bottom row, four panels depict taste (various fruit including a myrobalan). These offerings were given to the presiding lama.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lotus is the symbol of perfection and spiritual purity that grows from the mud into a beautiful flower. All of this is surrounded by lingzhi, the Chinese cloud ear fungus.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe construction is a mix of cedar or pine, sourced locally.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAltar cabinets did not become common in Tibetan furniture until the 18\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century. It would have been used as a family altar and for storage of religious scrolls, silk ceremonial clothes, family jewellery and precious yak butter, which is burnt in small lamps during prayers.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOriginal antique Tibetan cabinets are now very rare and there are many fakes on the market made in the late 20th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Tibet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK Delivery Charge - except Highlands \u0026amp; Islands £80\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMore delivery options available at checkout\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BinderKing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53551434858805,"sku":"M640","price":3189.87,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/5243\/2181\/files\/M640-LifestyleSquare.jpg?v=1789233516","url":"https:\/\/binderking.shop\/products\/antique-painted-tibetan-altar-cabinet","provider":"BinderKing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}