Mao’erbao Chieftain Tan Tomb: Crown Ornament

CHINA, Hubei, Enshi; Ming dynasty

This Ming dynasty (1368–1644) artifact was excavated from Mao’erbao Chieftain Tan Tomb in Xuan’en county of Hubei. It is made of gold and is 5 cm high. The ornament has a curved base and is decorated with floral designs created from gold pieces inlaid with red and blue precious stones.
The seated Buddha in the center of the ornament wears a crown and holds a mala in his left hand. The figure is slightly tilted and is seated on a lotus throne in the royal ease position. There is an aureole in the shape of a lotus petal, carved with intertwining stems and decorated with three lotus flowers surrounded by bead and flaming patterns. On each side of the figure there stands an attendant child with a round face. The exquisite workmanship of this gold ornament makes it a rare and precious masterpiece.