We’re pleased that we are able (as we have since inception of our web based business in 2000) to continue offering a selection of Tibetan pieces to our customers. And here would like to offer a small introduction to Tibetan furniture in general as well as to pieces we have in specific.
A 2003 Antiques by Zaar customre uses this Antique Tibetan Sideboard as a base to display her golden gilded horse.
Furniture was rarely used in Tibet, other than by the wealthy and the religious, and as such not a surprise that most pieces were found in the monasteries. Although simple in form it is the decorative and colorful artwork that makes the Tibetan pieces stand out.
Antique Tibetan Book Cabinet
Although you will find some darker toned piece it is more common to see pieces that are on the vibrant side of colorful with the prevalent colors being shades of red, yellow and green, with dabs of blue. Painting was generally reserved for the façade of the piece with the tops more often than not being red or just left in natural wood tone. Favored woods used are fir, pin and other Himalayan soft woods.
Themes commonly depicted on the furniture are of Buddhist symbols (such as the three jewels, Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), power symbol creatures (such as intertwined dragons, lion, tiger, mystical giling, elephant or birds), and ritual offerings including flowers and fruits.
Often times these themes, with their vibrant color schemes are enhanced by the use of gesso, which is the working of a gypsum paste, allowing for the creation of raised painted decoration, which simply adds further allure to these pieces.
Tibetan Antique Sideboard
Joinery on the pieces is simple. No nails or screws used, similar to traditional Chinese antiques and doors simply in place by pegs that are placed in carved holes. In fact often times it is hard to discern which panels on the cupboards open and which are solid as pulls are not always used to differentiate a door from a solid panel.
Traditional Tibetan Antique Cabinet
For more information on Tibetan Furniture might I recommend Tibetan Furniture: Identifying, Appreciating, Collecting, by the renowned expert in the field, Chris Buckley.
Ruth Olbrych
www.antiquesbyzaar.com
Ruth@antiquesbyzaar.com
Tibetan Furniture: Identifing, Appreciating, Collecting by Chris Buckley
June 18, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I love those carousel horse above, i have had a collection of them but i have sold most of my collection.
June 19, 2009 at 10:48 am
Jacky,
Yes, the carousel horse shown here is gorgeous and I love how my customer used the Tibetan piece as it’s base….and furthermore that she shared these photos with me to similarly share with my audience.
Ruth