Stupa (Chorten) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

A stupa, Tibetan chorten, is a central symbol of Buddhist art and represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha as well as his teaching, the Dharma.

This stupa stands on a square base with a stepped structure and a slight overhang. Above it rises a rounded, multi-tiered crystal element, which may be described as a chaitya. Four Buddha votive plaques are attached around the circumference, marking the four cardinal directions. The combination of rounded and angular forms is characteristic of a stupa.

The surface is decorated with filigree. Fine metal wires are arranged in spiral forms, filled with small arched elements and assembled into ornamental patterns. Abstracted vajra motifs as well as floral ornaments structure the stepped base. Colored stones are integrated into the filigree work and create rhythmic accents.

The stupa is regarded as an architectural representation of the cosmic principle and follows the image traditions of Vajrayana in the Kathmandu Valley, in which ritual identity, gesture, and ornament are brought together into a carefully balanced iconographic unity.

Stupa, Chorten

Copper base, decorated with fine filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. Crystal chaitya. The sculpture is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 9.5" / 24 cm
• Width: 5" / 12.5 cm 
• Depth: 5" / 12.5 cm 
• Weight: 973 g