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

Item id: 8218

14th Century Tibetan Book Cover — Superb and Extremely Rare Example. A remarkable early Tibetan manuscript cover, dating to the 14th century, with an extraordinary central figure that feels almost alive in its presence and expression. There is compelling evidence that this piece was repurposed as a shelf or furniture element during the Cultural Revolution to protect it from destruction. The dowel marks on the back and the small front notch are consistent with such adaptations made at the time to hide sacred objects.



When I acquired this piece twenty years ago, the front surface was almost entirely dark grey-black. One evening, sensing there was more beneath the surface, I gently worked museum wax across the panel for nearly an hour. Slowly, the eyes, lips, horns, and the red-and-gold border designs emerged from the darkness. As the eyes appeared—after two decades of seeing only a shadowy form—the hair on my arms stood up. The central figure revealed itself with a vividness I had never anticipated. Despite significant age-related wear, nothing detracts from the beauty, charisma, and spiritual power of this exceptional piece. I have never seen another book cover like it in over 35 years of collecting, and it remains one of the great treasures I have ever owned.



Dimensions:

Book cover: 28.75" × 10.25"

Height on custom base: 13.5"



Starting price has been significantly reduced as I am finally ready to let this extraordinary piece go. Spend time with the photos—the presence of the central figure speaks for itself.