Beautifully painted Tibetan chests like this one (from the 17th or early 18th century) were mainly used by the monasteries.They were used in the chapels and also in the private quarters of senior lamas.

This Tibetan dragon chest is decorated in the center with a coiled dragon holding jewels. The style is distinctively Tibetan, but also shows the influence of Ming Chinese silk textile designs. The repeating pattern around the central medallion on the chest is also based on a silk brocade design.

At Torana galleries we keep a small selection of antique Tibetan furniture. Quantities are never large, since we specialize in older Tibetan furniture in original condition.

The book Tibetan Furniture by Chris Buckley: a new and comprehensive guide to this unique art form, its decoration and Buddhist symbols is also available in our stores.