An antique, 19th Century or earlier (much earlier) depicting in mineral pigments within a great ovoid saffron mandorla above a lotus throne, stands a rock crystal, with its 'diamond nature'. In the transmission of the Dzogchen or Great Perfection teachings, rock crystal (Tibetan: man shel)is symbolically revealed during initiation to introduce the disciple to the perfect clarity of his own mind. The clear, diamond-like transparency of rock crystal, which both reflects and refracts the prismatic spectrum of sunlight into brilliant rainbow-coloured rays, symbolises the Great Perfection as the natural state of the unconditioned mind. 2 lines of Tibetan text to the reverse. 12.6 x 13.4cm