Lot 93A: Large 17th C. Tibetan Gilt & Lacquered Wood Chest

Name: Large 17th C. Tibetan Gilt & Lacquered Wood Chest
Brand: Artemis Fine Arts
SKU: 40787a65ad
Price: 2000 USD

Est: $12,000 USD - $18,000 USDPassed

Artemis Fine ArtsLouisville, CO, USNovember 06, 2025

Item Overview

Description

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 17th to 18th century CE. A rare and beautifully preserved example of Tibetan monastic furniture, this iron-bound wooden chest would once have safeguarded the sacred treasures of a monastery. Its surface is richly lacquered in deep red and painted with intricate gilt and black designs, featuring a central medallion of wish-granting gems set above a blossoming lotus, surrounded by scrolling foliage and stylized floral motifs. The bold ironwork framing the edges provides both protection and an austere contrast to the chest's luminous decoration. In Tibetan Buddhism, objects such as this served not only practical but symbolic purposes. Every monastery possessed chests for storing its most precious ritual implements - silver and gold butter lamps, rare thangkas, and relics imbued with spiritual potency. The artistry lavished upon such containers reflects their sacred function, as they safeguarded items integral to daily worship and ceremonial practice. Size: 39.5" L x 16" W x 20" H (100.3 cm x 40.6 cm x 50.8 cm)

Tibetans created a wide array of ritual objects used in these settings: thunderbolt scepters (vajras) and bells held by monks in each hand during prayers, signifying the union of wisdom and compassionate action; long horns and conch-shell trumpets that summoned monks to ceremony; and prayer wheels filled with sacred texts, perpetually turned to release blessings into the world. Within this deeply symbolic environment, the monastic treasure chest stood as a guardian of faith's material expressions - a vessel of devotion as much as of wealth. Such chests were traditionally made in pairs, their elaborate decoration signifying both reverence and protection. This example, with its harmonious balance of strength and elegance, embodies the refinement and spiritual significance of Tibetan craftsmanship during the height of its artistic flowering.

Please note that the red pigment on this chest contains up to 5% mercury in areas.

Provenance: private Lafayette, Colorado, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#197698

Condition Report

Possible repair to lid. Some loosening to iron hinges and joints, as well as fissures and splitting to wood. Weathering to surface with nicks, chips, and abrasions commensurate with age. Darkening to pigment with rich patina throughout. Liberal remaining decoration.

Payment & Shipping

Payment

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

Auction Details

Connoisseur's Delight | Ancient, Ethnographic, Fine Art

Artemis Fine Arts

November 06, 2025, 08:00 AM MST

686 S. Taylor Ave., #108, Louisville, CO, 80027, US

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Terms

Live bidding may start higher or lower

Buyer's Premium

$1 - 249,999:28.5%*

$250,000+:25.0%*

Buyer's premium may vary based on bid amount. There is a $10 USD minimum and reduced fees on lots over $10,000 USD. You will be shown the exact amount when confirming your bid.

Bidding Increments

From:	To:	Increment:
$0	$299	$25
$300	$999	$50
$1,000	$1,999	$100
$2,000	$4,999	$250
$5,000+		$500

Terms of Sale

Please read the following "Terms of Sale" carefully. Your submission of bids in this auction constitutes your acceptance.

1. PAYMENT POLICY: To provide a seamless bidder checkout, all winning lots will be invoiced through LiveAuctioneers' LivePayments invoicing system, unless bidder chooses to pay Artemis Fine Arts directly via personal check or money order, via credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Discover), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. If bidder chooses to pay Artemis Fine Arts directly, bidder must contact Artemis Fine Arts to arrange payment. Payments not made within 5 business days of auction's end will forfeit bidder's right to purchase said item(s), with item(s) relisted to next appropriate auction. In addition, non-paying bidders will receive posted negative feedback on LiveAuctioneers and not be allowed bidding privileges on any future auctions.

2. BUYER'S PREMIUM: A 28.5% Buyer's Premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot purchased.

3. RETURN POLICY: No sale is final if you're not happy; however, it is important that you keep in mind deadlines for reporting issues based on the following situations: a. In the event of an authenticity dispute, written email notification must be provided to Artemis Fine Arts within 2 business days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data. After Artemis Fine Arts is notified of the dispute, a written letter from a recognized expert in the field pertaining to the item in dispute must then be presented for consideration (NO EXCEPTIONS). If Artemis Fine Arts concludes that the expert's assessment of the piece is accurate, a full refund, including hammer price, buyer's premium (if applicable), and shipping costs will be provided. Artemis Fine Arts will either provide a prepaid return shipping label or reimburse the return shipping charge. Artemis Fine Arts will only remit refund after the item has been returned in the same condition as received. b. In the event of an error in item description, condition report, provenance, or dimensions, written notification of the error must be given within 2 business days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data. A full refund, including item price, buyer's premium (if applicable), and shipping costs will be provided, if so requested. Artemis Fine Arts will either provide a prepaid return shipping label or will reimburse the return shipping charge. Artemis Fine Arts will only remit refund after the item has been returned in the same condition as received. c. If a return is requested for any reason other than the above, written notification with reason for return must be given within 2 days from receipt of the item as shown by FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking data for Artemis Fine Arts to issue a refund to the original payment method. If notification is given after 5 days, the item may be returned for credit toward a future purchase or may be consigned for sale through Artemis Fine Arts. The item must be returned to Artemis Fine Arts at the buyer's expense. Original shipping charges will not be refunded. All items to be returned must be adequately insured and must be received by Artemis Fine Arts in the same condition as when shipped. In no event may any item be returned after 20 days from the date of delivery.

4. IN-HOUSE SHIPPING: All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped upon receipt of payment and will be insured for their full value. If you prefer to work with a third-party shipper, we can assist with recommendations.

**Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia due to customs clearance issues. We are working to resolve this issue. If you are in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, arrange your own shipping, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.*

**For shipments outside of the USA, custom / duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Fine Arts will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**

5. Buyer agrees that any claim of controversy arising out of, or relating to the formation, interpretation of performance of these terms and underlying transactions or the breach thereof, is subject to arbitration or judicial proceedings and shall take place within the County of Boulder, CO subject to the laws of the State of Colorado.

6. QUESTIONS? Feel free to email us with questions prior to bidding or call us at 720-890-7700.

Shipping Terms

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

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