About this work
Small low tables were used by lamas (Tibetan Buddhist monks of high rank) when performing rituals or receiving refreshments. They were often portable, with folding legs, as seen in this example.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Tibet
Accession Number
2006.289
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
The solid wood table has a rectangular top and collapsible legs at the sides and back. The legs are constructed in a lattice form, with additional carved decoration. The table has two drawers beneath the top and the sides of the table are also carved. The entire table is painted in polychrome and gold paints.
The carving on the sides of the table and the legs includes many auspicious symbols, such as a version of the Chinese character for 10,000, indicating plenitude; bats, indicating happiness; and the Buddhist symbol of the offering bowl. In addition to these gold painted, carved decorations, the sides, front and legs are painted with a floral design in red, blue, white and green. The top of the table is painted red, with a pair of finely detailed dragons holding the symbol for good luck, surrounded by bats, a diagrammatic representation of the endless knot, and a geometric border.