Item Type: Tibetan Antique Ritual Items

Style: Tibetan

Dimensions: A slice: 0.39 in (1 cm) x 4.33 in (11 cm) x 5.91 in (15 cm)

Materials and Techniques: Mineral color

Place of Origin: Xaodeng Monastery in Nagqu

Period: Qing Dynasty

Condition: Good

Qing Dynasty Tibetan-style hand-painted mineral color Five Buddha Crown made from yak shoulder blades. The Five Buddha Crown is worn by Vajrayana masters and lineage holders during ritual practices, symbolizing the five wisdoms. It embodies the perfection of the five wisdoms through the Five Transcendent Buddhas. During empowerment rituals within the mandala, the disciple receives the consecration of the Five Buddha Empowerment Seal, where water blessed by the adept is applied to the disciple's head, forehead, right, rear, and left crowns, while wearing the Five Buddha Crown. Once empowered by the Five Buddhas, this crown is crafted from yak shoulder blades found at altitudes above 4000 meters. During winters, some yaks perish due to age or illness, and compassionate masters collect their shoulder blades. After consecration, temple artists paint sacred Buddha images on them, allowing the yaks to receive offerings and merit, potentially liberating them from the cycle of rebirth as animals. This practice is unique to the Nagqu region's monasteries.

This Five Buddha Crown depicts Green Tara, Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, Amitayus Buddha, White Tara, and Manjushri Bodhisattva. The mineral colors are rich, and the artwork is well-preserved, making it a valuable piece for further preservation or worship. This set of Five Buddha Crowns originates from the Xaodeng Monastery in Nagqu, characterized by its well-ordered lineage and exceptional rarity.