Vessel

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This type of vessel is referred to as a Kalasa or Kundika in Sanskrit, and it is also known as a Sage Vessel, a Ruyi Vessel, or an Auspicious Vessel. It is made of gilt copper alloy and has a pear-shaped body with a broad shoulder. Its neck is surmounted by a cover in the form of a canopy decorated with reliefs of the eight auspicious symbols. There is a cylindrical inner container in which dried Tibetan herbs or peacock feathers are placed. The stemmed foot of the vessel is decorated with an inverted lotus petal design. This type of vessel is used for making offerings, such as holy water, the five grains, five incenses, five medicines, or five treasures.