Large Tibetan shell wooden casket

Wooden casket full of character, handmade in Nepal and painted in vibrant colors. Golden cloud and vine ornaments glow on a green background, while red corner fittings with golden scrollwork frame the lid and body. The curved base shape and the iron toggle clasp emphasize the traditional character. Each casket is unique and hand-painted; small irregularities in the painting and wood are part of the essence of the piece.

A double vajra (Vishvavajra) is depicted on each of the narrow sides - two crossed thunderbolts on lotus, surrounded by golden foliage. The front shows a protective being surrounded by flames with a white, spiral-shaped shell.

22.5 cm wide · 12 cm deep · 17 cm high · Wood, hand-painted · Made in Nepal

The double vajra (vishvavajra) is one of the most important symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Two crossed vajras stand for absolute stability, indestructibility and the firm foundation of the world. It symbolizes the unshakeable foundation of enlightenment and the power working in all four directions - a classic sign of protection and blessing.

The white shell shape on the front refers to the right-turning snail shell (Shankha), one of the Eight Symbols of Good Fortune, which traditionally stands for the spread of Buddhist teachings and for auspicious sound. The creature surrounded by flames can be read as a protective motif, as is often painted on Tibetan chests to ward off negative influences; flames stand for purifying wisdom energy.