19th C. Tibetan Leather Crown w/ Dhyani Buddhas

**First Time At Auction**

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful example of a Tantric Tibetan Ceremonial Crown, featuring five embossed and painted leather panels with arched forms strung on two thick leather straps. Each depicts one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, or Great Buddhas of Wisdom, central features of Tibetan Buddhist belief and visual culture. Crowns of this style are made to sit atop a hat during initiation and empowerment rites, and the decoration on them is painted by the Lama himself as a form of devotional exercise. Size: 18.5" W x 7" H (47 cm x 17.8 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#149837
Condition Report: One of the straps is partially lost; there are also a few small losses to the peripheries of the crown. The decoration is faded and the surface has deposits, but overall the motifs are visible. Rich patina on all surfaces.