An antique 19th Century or earlier tsakli painting in mineral pigments depicting, on a large torana shaped throne draped with a red silk offering cloth, a jewel-studded Treasure Vase - the Bhumpa or Vase of Inexhaustible Treasures'. It possesses the qualities of spontaneous manifestation - however much is removed from the vase it remains perpetually full. Such vases are usually placed upon altars, at mountain passes and water springs, where their presence attracts waelth and brings harmony to the environment. Behind the Treasure Vase is a Kalasa, or Sacred Water Flask with a slender pouring spout and with a detatchable peacock feather sprinkler which fits within the kalasa's top. the kalasa is used as the pouring vase for purification rituals, and the three peacock feather 'eyes' represent the 3 gems - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. A single syllable to the reverse, which appears to have been re-backed at some stage for reinforcement.
9 x 12.3cm