An antique 19th Century or earlier (much earlier) tsakli painting in mineral pigments depicting, 2 of the possessions of an ordained monk (Bikshu) - the Kakkhara or mendicant's staff which served as a walking stick, its jangling, metallic noise frightened away snakes and wild animals in the mendicant's path, and it also served to announce the approach of a begging mendicant seeking alms. The Kakkhara possesses a complex symbolism which embodies the 37 aspects of the path to enlightenment. The upper part is a curved iron frame which surrounds 2 stupa forms - the Enlightenment Stupa and the Stupa of Reconciliation. Metal rings to the bottom produce the rattling sound and symbolise the earrings, bracelets and anklets discarded by the Buddha when he renounced his worldly bonds. To the right of the staff is a Buddhist alms bowl of deep blue, to resemble the iron begging bowl of the Sakyamuni, who rejected the offer of a more sumptuous bowl. It stands covered by a silken cloth upon its own lotus base. 1 syllable of Tibetan text to the reverse.
8.5 x 11.2cm