EXQUISITE AND RARE STORAGE CHEST.
Tibet. Late 16th c.

Wood laminated with cotton fabric. Finely painted with pigments and gold; preserved unrestored. Brass fittings preserved completely. Remarkably all sides of the chest are decorated. The painting on the front and the back showing each a pair of confronted dragons; the sides are adorned with individual dragons. Densely stylized clouds and spirals with lotus flowers fill the ground. Between the dragons baskets with offerings and flaming pearls are positioned.

The decor shows clear influences of Chinese art; corresponding to the period of origin. The Chinese emperor Wanli (1573-1620) became a great promoter of Chinese art as of Lamaist monasteries. The quality of the decoration leads to the conclusion that this chest was owned by a high-ranking lama or a person of the Tibetan aristocracy. Height 38cm; 76 x 34cm. Condition B. According to age; slight signs of use; more pronounced on the upper side.

Provenance:
-From a Buddhist cloister. Acquired locally 1990s.
-Private collection Southern Germany. Acquired 2010 at Gallery K. Lambertz-Abraham;
Dusseldorf; Germany. Detailed written description and assessment enclosed.

Literature:
-David Kamansky (ed): Wooden Wonders; Tibetan Furniture in Secular and Religious Life. Chicago 2004. Compare p. 48-51 and p. 234.
-Tony Anninos: Painted Tibetan Furniture. In: Arts of Asia; Vol. 27. Hongkong 1997. Compare type p. 50.Art trade; Van Ham.