Untitled

Unknown

late19th–early 20th century · Wood, polychrome, pigment, and iron brackets · Asian Art

This chest likely doubled as an altar, placed before a wrathful deity in a protective shrine (gonkhang). Ceremonial utensils, stored inside the chest when not in use, were laid out on the lid during rituals. In the bloody scene on the chest dogs and vultures tear apart the dead, while other demons bear gory offerings, including a large decaying head. The head supports objects related to the five senses (equated with the five desires)—eyes for sight, a damaru drum for sound, a nose for smell, a tongue for taste, and a heart for touch.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late19th–early 20th century

Medium

Wood, polychrome, pigment, and iron brackets

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Steven Kossak, The Kronos Collections, in celebration of the Museum's 150th Anniversary, 2022