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

Item id: 964

This is a true temple sized piece. I believe it is made to go on a pole and would have probably been taller than human height when assembled. I've been told variously that it is one of the 8 auspicious symbols and that this would have been with 7 others, and alternatively that it is not actually an auspicious symbol (it would be the wheel of the law), but more of a double sun symbol, which is far more esoteric. I have also been told that it was 18th or 19th C- it looks quite old: I do not know how to date this or read the inscription. Cast in several parts out of bronze or brass which are slightly loose, , but no damage or loss. This is a powerful, large and lovely Chinese or Sino-Tibetan authentic temple piece. Extremely large at 27 inches tall by 12 inches at its widest point, and quite heavy.