A silver-inlaid and gilt iron lock with key

TIBET, 15TH CENTURY

Details

A silver-inlaid and gilt iron lock with key
Tibet, 15th century
With a rectangular barrel and flanged tongue with rampant dragons amid foliate scrollwork all damascened in gold and silver, with an inscription in silver running the length of the barrel, the key with ring in the form of a makara spouting a rod that supports the teeth
13½ in. (34.3 cm.) long, the lock

Provenance

Private Collection, Canada, 1990

Sale room notice

Please note this lock dates from the 17th century.

Lot Essay

The inscription on the front is in Tibetan and states that this lock belongs to the treasury room of the Riwo Choling Monastery. Originally founded by Tsongkhapa's student, Khedrup Dondrup Palzang, in the 15th century, it grew from a small college of eight monks to one with more than a hundred. Due to its growing importance, a one story reliquary hall was built and attached to the monastery. Within was a chest containing the skull of Darma Dode, the son of Marpa, which this lock protected.

More from Indian and Southeast Asian

View All