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

Item id: 8424

Rare matched set of Tibetan book covers, beautifully painted on both sides, though the paint on the inside shows considerable wear. Likely 17/18thC or earlier, I am not trained in how to date this type with precision. They are certainly centuries old, and show almost no damage or repair other than age splits and the addition of hanging wires on the inside of each. A few small cut out pieces suggest these may have been turned into shelves or disguised in some way as utilitarian shelves during the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960's to keep them from being destroyed. Quite heavy as they are made of hard wood and are large at 31 inches long by a bit over 11 inches wide by over 1.5 inches thick. I believe all paint is original and untouched. So many of these are either repainted or extensively overpainted-these look to be relatively untouched. Single one sided covers are getting harder to find, and prices are going up, but they are still available on the market. A matching top and bottom set that are decorated on both the inside and outside have always been relatively uncommon- these days they have become almost impossible to find.

Price Range

$=
$0 - $250
$$=
$251 - $800
$$$=
$801 - $1700
$$$$=
$1701 - 3000
$$$$$=
$3001 and up
Availability:
Sold
Country:
Tibet
Material:
Wood
Dating:
17th - 18th
Pricing:
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