Qing Imperial Palace: Offering Instruments with the Seven Treasures of the Cakravartin

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

These pieces were once in the collection of the Qing Imperial Palace and feature the seven treasures of the cakravartin, which are an elephant, jewel, general, minister, horse, wheel, and queen.
The rosewood bases have a gold ripple pattern on top with floral pillars embedded with rubies, sapphires, opals, and turquoise. On top of the pillars, there are gold lotus pedestals embedded with various gemstones, symbols of longevity, and bat-shaped patterns. The elephant has a Dharma instrument on its back, and the precious jewel consists of three pearls embedded in a peach-shaped panel which is decorated with a turquoise flaming pattern. The kneeling general is depicted wearing armor, with one hand holding a sword and the other raised before his chest. The minister is also depicted wearing armor and is seated in full lotus position with palms joined. The horse carries a Dharma instrument similar to that of the elephant. The wheel has eight spokes and is decorated with ribbons. The queen wears a headdress, necklace, and stole. The patterns of her dress are made with gold wires, and she is seated with palms joined.