Most tsa tsas are unique pieces that are either placed in caves or used as filler material in stupas. In Tibet, however, larger, portable wooden shrines containing several tsa tsas were also produced. These served as objects of devotion for traveling merchants and were also used to vividly convey Buddhist teachings to people outside the monasteries.
This carved and painted wooden tsa tsa set is extremely rare due to its unusual material, shape and contents, and stands out clearly from other shrines containing grouped tsa tsas. It is significantly smaller and features only two tsa tsas — one on the front and one on the back.
Its shape is modeled after a leaf of the Bodhi tree, which is considered sacred in Buddhism because Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath it and became the Buddha.
On the front of the leaf, four blossoms emerge, serving as the base for three Tibetan symbols from left to right, the »dorje«, the »victory banner« and the »swastika« - as well as for an arch-like window in which a small Amitabha tsa tsa is visible. The reverse side shows a single flower bearing the second window; inside it is a six-armed Mahakala.
Mahakala symbolizes the overcoming of the ego, negative emotions, and obstacles, while Amitabha symbolizes compassion and rebirth in the »Pure Land Sukhāvatī«. Amitabha symbolizes compassion, salvation, and spiritual purity.
Both harmonize perfectly within Buddhist teachings, for Amitabha points to the goal—enlightenment through boundless compassion and wisdom—and Mahakala removes the obstacles along the path to it.
Such solid-wood objects in the shape of a leaf, with tsa-tsas inserted on both sides, are extremely rarely documented.
The function of the rod, which is about five centimeters long and located at the lower end of the object, is unclear. It is likely a mounting or insertion pin used to secure the object into a holder, a base, or a larger reliquary.
Iconographic details of the three symbols
Condition Report: Nearly perfect. There is only very slight visible wear on the surfaces of the two large flowers on either side.
| Additional iconographic explanations |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Measurements: | 6 x 4 x 0.7" | 15.2 x 10.2 x 1.8 cm |
| Material: | Wood |
| Age: | 19th cent. |
| Price: | Make an offer |
| High resolution: | Display [1.3 MB, 2458 x 3539 px.] |
