Central Asia, Tibet / China, ca. 19th century CE. Sixteen clay press-molded circular plaques used as devotional tablets for consecrations and prayer. They include scenes depicting fierce, multi-armed tantric deities standing and holding kapala. Others are a skull chitapati, a Vaisravana, and Mahaklas. Some are brightly painted; some are gilded, and one is plain fired clay. They are kept in a Thai 19th century wood, felt-lined carved box with a creation myth scene in relief on the cover. Size of box: 14.25" L x 8.5" W (36.2 cm x 21.6 cm); size of largest tablet: 1" W x 2" H (2.5 cm x 5.1 cm)

Tsa tsa tablets (also tsha tsha) are a Tibetan transliteration of a Sanskrit word to describe miniature votive tablets common in Tibetan Buddhism. They are made to be placed in the inner shrines of large stupas, in statues, in sacred caves, holy mountains, and holy lakes. They are believed to have the power to prevent disasters and offer forgiveness and healing when prayed to.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex Sothebys London Bond Street, Colonnade Sale, Item #398 April 28, 1995

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#127776

Signs of wear on the tsa tsa tablets, with some more worn than others and many having nicely preserved pigment and gilding. Thirteen of the tablets have a small accession sticker on the back, including one from Sotheby's. The included antique box has light signs of wear, especially on the interior felt. Very nicely preserved cover motif.