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Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early 20th century CE. An opulent copper prayer wheel with a mantra and handle carved from buffalo bone. The impressive wheel house is intricately decorated with inlaid bezels of coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and jasper as well as scrolling copper foil and embossed relief decoration. A ballasted copper ball hangs from a chain at the midsection of the wheel, enabling it to spin effortlessly when put into motion and allowing a Buddhist patron to concentrate on meditative prayers rather than on keeping the spinning cylinder in motion. A paper scroll of mantras and auspicious symbols is contained inside the wheel house. Prayer wheels have been used in Tibet for centuries. When in use a prayer wheel is spun or rotated clockwise to release the prayers or other auspicious writings that are placed within the drum. The turning of the prayer wheel is a practice for developing compassion, central to Tibetan Buddhism. Size: 13″ L x 3.6″ Diameter (33 cm x 9.1 cm)
Condition: Handle has been professionally repaired with small chips and adhesive along break line as well as a few stable hairline fissures in other areas. Light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, excellent with light patina.
Provenance: private Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA collection
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