Ritual Crown

CHINA; Qing dynasty

This ritual crown was worn by senior monks during Esoteric Buddhist rituals. It consists of five panels, and measures 21.2 cm high with a diameter of 57 cm. On the lower edge, there is a silk ribbon for fastening around the chin.
Each panel is narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. The upper portion is similar in shape to an ogee arch with three curves on each side. A double layer of pearl beads borders the whole panel. In the center of each panel, there is a niche. Within the niche, there is either a turquoise sword, lotus, vajra, wheel, or flame pattern. These niches, which stand on lotus pedestals, are bordered by ogee arches studded with turquoises. Each image and decoration is attached to a red velvet background. The crown gives an overall impression of majesty and elegance.