Tibetan-Buddhist Ritual Cover
Artist/maker unknown, India
Geography:
Made in Sikkim, India, Asia
Date:
19th centuryMedium:
Multicolored, pieced silk satin and figured silk satin and appliquéd silk satin on blue figured silk satinDimensions:
32 1/4 x 32 1/4 inches (81.9 x 81.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
2005-13-1Credit Line:
Gift of the Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2005
Made in Sikkim, India, Asia
Date:
19th centuryMedium:
Multicolored, pieced silk satin and figured silk satin and appliquéd silk satin on blue figured silk satinDimensions:
32 1/4 x 32 1/4 inches (81.9 x 81.9 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:2005-13-1Credit Line:
Gift of the Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2005
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Called pang-khebs or ten-khebs in Tibetan, ritual covers like this one were intended to adorn an altar or ceremonial throne, or to be used as a ritual offering. The central pattern's "endless knot" signifies eternal continuity. Appliquéd ritual scepters, called vishvavajra in Sanskrit, mark the four corners. Eight auspicious symbols (vase, lotus, conch shell, endless knot, victory banner, wheel of law, parasol, and two fish) embellish the sides.
