The vast majority of tsa tsas consist of individual figures placed in caves or used, for example, as filler material in stupas. In Tibet, however, larger, portable wooden shrines were also crafted to hold multiple tsa tsas. These served as objects of devotion for traveling merchants or were used to vividly convey Buddhist teachings to the population outside of monasteries.
This carved and painted wooden tsa tsa set is extremely rare due to its unusual 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.
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 approximately five-centimeter-long rod at the lower end of the object has not yet been clearly established. We have therefore deliberately refrained from offering a more detailed interpretation here, as it would be speculative. However, we would be very grateful for any insights from an expert perspective.
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: | Open to offers |
| High resolution: | Display [1.3 MB, 2458 x 3539 px.] |
