Serkyem Vessel – Buddhist Ritual Object

Serkyem, worked in filigree, silver- and gold-plated, with set colored stones. The ritual offering set consists of a larger lower bowl and a smaller upper bowl. Used in Himalayan Buddhist traditions, the serkyem forms part of altar practice and is used to make offerings to the dharma protectors (dharmapala).

The term serkyem means "golden drink" and refers to the ritual purpose of the vessel. Traditionally, the bowls are filled with tea; in certain practice lineages, alcoholic liquids are also used together with uncooked grains.

The bowls are worked in filigree. Thin wire is bent into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and joined in an ornamental pattern. Colored stones are set within the filigree as blossoms and buds. The buds sit at the end of curved pearl wire.

The serkyem follows iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbolic meaning, and ornament are brought together in a balanced composition.

Serkyem

Set of 2, copper, decorated with filigree, silver-plated, and set with colored stones. Finished with red vermilion powder. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 14.2 cm (5.5 in)
• Diameter: 13 cm (5 in)
• Weight: 369 g