Old Kumkum vessel with exceptionally rich patina

This traditional wooden vessel from Nepal has the typical shape of the vessels that were used to store spices or ritual dye powder. There are six separate chambers inside - a central one and five compartments arranged in a ring. The old red pigments inside are probably kumkum (red powder for blessings, or at most sindoor, worn by married women). The worn surfaces, paint residue and the beautiful, rich natural patina bear witness to the long period of use.

Provenance: The object comes from the private collection of Jean-Luc Cortès († 2021). Cortès was an important French traveler, photographer, collector, dealer, self-taught researcher and important mediator of the traditional art of the western Himalayas.

Dimensions:

Height: 13 cm
Diameter: 19 cm
Weight: 1.09 kg