The Chinese Tibetan gilt bronze Kadam Stupa (Chaitya) is characterized by a typical but rather simply decorated top with a parasol and thirteen descending discs below. The center is adorned by a square balcony-like structure with a round bell shaped bottom below with all of that placed atop a round double lotus base.
The most distinctive or unique feature is the round bell shaped bottom. A common belief is that the Kadam stupa was introduced to Tibet by Atisha and the Kadam Tradition. It is far more likely that the Kadampa stupa is based on the eighth and final of the Eight Great Stupas symbolizing eight great events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. That final stupa represents the parinirvana of Shakyamuni. It is possible that over time this very streamlined and easily held stupa shape became commonly associated with the 'mandala offering ritual' where the stupa represents the mind of the 'guru' and Buddha.
Most Kadama stupas function as a ritual object on a shrine or during the elaborate ritual of mandala offering common to large religious events in Tibetan, Himalayan and Mongolian Buddhist culture. The exterior decorated in repeating geometric shapes that line the circumference. Very fine craftsmanship can be seen throughout this one of a kind antique. The underside with incised quatrefoil flori-form petal visvavajra mark surrounding the centralized DaiJi.

Dimensions: 11-1/2" H x 3-1/8" W

Over all in EXCELLENT condition, with normal anomalies in nature, sign of stressed surface, minor scratch & dent. Surface traced wear and or declined to gilding; Normal, considering ages and wears.

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