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 and his teaching, the Dharma.

The stupa stands on a square base with two stepped levels. Above it rises the rounded dome, anda, encircled by a band of lapis lazuli. At the front of the dome, a gau is attached, containing a Buddha votive plaque. Above the dome follows a mast, encircled by ring-shaped arrangements of set stones. Shawl elements are arranged at the sides, followed by a parasol. The uppermost finial is formed by sun and moon. The clear sequence of rounded and angular elements forms a mandala-like order when viewed from above.

The copper base, the shawls, and the crystal dome are decorated with filigree work. Fine wires are shaped into spirals and filled with small arched elements, forming a pattern. Set stones of lapis lazuli, turquoise, and coral add accents of colour.

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 balanced iconographic unity.

Stupa, Chorten

made of copper and crystal, decorated with filigree, silver-plated, set with turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral. The sculpture is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 10.4" / 26 cm
• Width: 5.7" / 14.5 cm
• Depth: 5.7" / 14.5 cm
• Weight: 1,427 g