Stupa (Chorten) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

Buddhist stupa with stepped base, worked in filigree and set with colored stones Its upper part is carved from crystal. In Tibetan, a stupa is called a chorten. It represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha as well as his teaching, the Dharma.

The stupa stands on a square, stepped base with a slight overhang. Above it rises a rounded crystal element, forming the central body of the monument. Four Buddha votive plaques are attached around the circumference, marking the four cardinal directions. The sequence of rounded and angular elements forms a mandala-like order when viewed from above.

The base and central body are worked in filigree. Thin wires are shaped into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and assembled into patterns. Colored stones accentuate the ornament and form floral motifs. Stylised vajra motifs and geometric bands structure the stepped base.

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

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