Tibetan Mountain Landscape Coffer

c. 1850
$3,680 USD
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Dimensions
W: 26.5" D: 24.75" H: 20.5"
Materials
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Paint
Wood
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CMCL092
Estimated Shipping
$488

This low two-drawer chest is a 19th-century coffer from northern China or Mongolia and was repainted with bright colors in the early 20th century in the style of Tibetan painted furniture. The top surface has been painted with verdant mountainous landscape dotted with grazing animals, colorful flowers and dancing figures. Crashing waves churn along a river in the foreground and plumes of smoke billow from hilltop fires in the distance.

The front panels and drawers are painted with intricate scrollwork and ribbon-clad Buddhist auspicious symbols, including the parasol, the treasure vase, the conch shell, the endless knot, the pair of golden fishes, the banner of victory, and the wheel of life. These symbols of good fortune represent the offerings that were made by the gods to Shakyamuni Buddha when he attained enlightenment. The sides are painted with a lotus flower surrounding the Three Jewels, round gemstones representing the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, the means by which a Buddhist takes spiritual refuge. Brightly colored and full of life, we love this unique chest for its rich symbolism and one-of-a-kind story.

Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian Art.

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Andrea Goldman | Andrea Goldman Design

“Over the years, I’ve incorporated many pieces from PAGODA RED into my designs. Not only can they balance new furnishings (and often new construction) by feeling more established, but the pieces emanate a sense of rich history, often leaving you wondering where they were in a previous life. These beautiful pieces carefully hand-selected by the team at PAGODA RED, coupled with their unbelievable customer service, make them a must-have for any home.”

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