Country Group: The Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and Other)

Item id: 10156

Larger than life, superbly carved Mongolian soapstone hand holding bowl. Found "as is" in the ruins of an old monastery in Mongolia which was destroyed by the communists in late 1920's, and acquired by the previous owner at Erdene Zuu monastery in Kharkhorin, Mongolia. I've seen nothing remotely like it in person or books. Length from end of wrist to fingertips is 9 inches, bowl diameter is 6 7/8 inches, height on custom stand is just over 10 inches. Unsure if it was sculpted as a hand only (as a donation or bowl or ritual powder or oil?) or as part of a larger statue. There are scuff marks which are unavoidable given the nature of the type of stone, but overall in exceptional condition, with no damage, loss or repair. I had the base made to show the piece well- I have no idea what angle it originally sat at.