Trashigang Monastery: Altar

BHUTAN, Thimphu

This multi-functional altar can be used in rituals or as an offering table. It is now kept in Trashigang Monastery in Thimphu.
The rectangular wooden altar is 78 cm long and 29.7 cm high. The top is plain and painted red, while the remainder is covered in repoussé work in gilt copper alloy. The underside of the tabletop is decorated with multiple lotus petals, and between the tabletop and the apron, there is a narrow rectangular section decorated with cloud patterns. The apron is entirely covered in curvilinear foliate scrollwork, with an image of Kirtimukha in the center. It has long horns and tusks, and holds stems of foliage in its mouth. The S-shape legs have foliate motifs, and the crossbar between the legs is decorated with two repoussé silver deer symbolizing the Buddha’s first turning of the Dharma wheel at Deer Park.