Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 14th to 15th century CE. An extensively carved wooden book cover depicting five Buddhas displaying various mudras, seated upon lotus thrones and surrounded by mandorlas, in the central register. This central panel is surrounded by an elaborate border of several patterns - beaded, fretted, and the largest border comprised of a wavy motif, all carved in relief. A beautiful piece from a spiritual tome with wonderful patina. Size: 21.375" W x 6.75" H (54.3 cm x 17.1 cm)

The Michigan Museum of Art hosted an exhibition of 35 Tibetan book covers dating from the 11th to 18th centuries. According to the curatorial statement, "To honor the Buddha, as well as to accrue good merit toward a future rebirth, elaborate book covers were frequently commissioned, most commonly made from carved, painted and often gilded wood. Works of handheld relief sculpture, Tibetan book covers were lavish productions that reflect the intense devotion with which Tibetans regard books." Their contextual essay continues, "Tibetan book cover design has a history of more than a thousand years, during which stylistic influences from Kashmir, India, Nepal, Central Asia and China were fused into a uniquely Tibetan creation. In turn, Tibetan innovations such as the covers’ large size—they are often more than two feet long and a foot wide—and amount of embellishment later influenced the covers of Mongolian and Chinese books."

Provenance: private Maui, Hawaii, USA collection

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#124701

Age cracks and losses as shown. In particular there is a section of loss to the right border and other smaller chips around the periphery. Expected surface wear with areas of earthen encrustation.