A splendid, antique, 19th Century tsakli painting in mineral pigments and gold depicting The Chief or main Bhumpa - the sacred water flask used during ritual practices and initiations.
It contains the visualised mandala of deities within its consecrated water, and is empowered by removing the peacock feather sprinkler and the branch of the wish fulfilling Ashoka tree, and replacing it with a dorje and a five coloured thread - the end of which is held to the heart of the practitioner who recites an 'action mantra' 108 times.
The bhumpa is adorned with a silken 'skirt' and garlands of gold.
5 lines of text to the reverse and a syllable above in red. 9.6 x 11.3cm