VCM

Offering vase
Vaso de ofrendas: 1998.7.9

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Why this is a
Masterpiece

It symbolizes the Kailasa mountain, the mythical dwelling of the gods. It is finished off by a plaque in the shape of a flame that represents Buddha. This vase is highly representative of the Tibetan Lamaist culture with its use of coral, turquoise and bone remains from some divinity, thus making it an exceptional piece.

History of the Object: These kinds of objects are used in a complex Buddhist ritual practiced in Tibet, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism or Tantric Buddhism. The Newari artisans were in charge of making these types of objects with coral and turquoise encrustations.

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Type: Other
Materials: silver, coral and turquoise
Measurements: Height 27 cm.
Creator name: Unknown
Creator date: Unknown
Where it was made: China; Tibet
Geography: China; Tibet
Time period: AD 19th century ~ AD 19th century
Creation date: 19th Century
Function: This vase is identified as a Torma which is used to present an offering such as rice at a Buddhist ceremony.
Acquisition: It was acquired by the museum in 1998. It was part of Mr. Santos Munsuri's Oriental collection and was purchased from his widow, Mrs. Maria Velasco. Mr. Munsuri (1911 – 1993), a gemologist and collector of Oriental art, as well as a customs inspector for several years, also held a position as a representative member of the Tax Department in the Qualification, Appraisal and Export Committee for works of art at the Department of Culture. In 1989, he decided to donate a great part of his collection to the Spanish State to be deposited in the National Museum of Anthropology, so that his collection would not disintegrate at the time of his death. In 1998, his widow, Mrs. Maria Velasco, decided to sell another part of the collection which was not already part of the previous donation, to the Department of Culture.
Copyright: Museo Nacional de Antropología. Ministerio de Cultura.
Acknowledgements
Owner: Museo Nacional de Antropología. Ministerio de Cultura.
Museum: National Museum of Anthropology
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