Chinese blue and white porcelain bowl and Tibetan Buddhism

A desirable antique is also a precious piece of the past to learn about the history. This magnificent highlight item has embedded a cross-cultural exchange between Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese history.

The elaborate inscription decorated both inside and outside has made this blue and white porcelain bowl an outstanding find. It is believed that this blue and white bowl had been used for practicing rituals of Vajrayana, which is the Tantric medium to enlightenment and derives from the Mahayana, recognizable for mystic inscription and symbols.

Almost synonymous with Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrayana emerged in India in the 6^th-7^th century and later spread to neighboring countries such as China, Mongolia, Japan and Tibet.

The term “Vajrayana” in Sanskrit signifies “Vehicle of diamond” referring to its belief in a faster path towards enlightenment by rituals, praying and meditation. Without experiencing several lifetimes, Vajrayana Buddhism is to be practiced by every individual, not only monks.

Buddhism flourished in China due to a great patronage from the Tang dynasty and its following reigns. Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism was a prominent one. This resulted in a vital influence on ceremonial objects like this highlight item from the Ming Dynasty (CE 1368-1644) reputed for art and cultural exchange and emperors were aligned with the Buddhist institutions of neighbouring Tibet.

Lot 664

A blue and white porcelain bowl painted on interior and exterior with Sanskrit Characters and lotus ponds.

Style: Chinese

Dimensions: W 16.5 cm. H 7 cm.

Circa: 17^th century

Starting Price: 5,000 THB

Estimated Price: 6,000 – 7,000 THB

Bid this lot here