Description: I bought this Tibetan lama prayer scroll box made with yak skin during one of my two trips to Lhasa about 25-30 years ago. It's just the right size for a kapala and a few other prayer items perhaps in your collection. One can only imagine its storied history. It wasn't for sale but after a week of saying "tashi deley" every time I passed by a wizened Tibetan trader in the Barkhor marketplace she relented. The patina is amazing as are the metal corners and long metal rivets. The two hinges on the back are present but no longer working. Inside is a little dusty. Dimensions: 11" wide by 6" deep by 8" tall During my second trip to Lhasa on a single visa (typically it's all group visas), I was tailed by a 5 man Chinese police team. I didn't notice them at first as they waited outside the small shops when I was inside. Two tall guys with smart gray suits and good leather shoes. The tallest guy was in charge. Then a team of three short street-savvy younger men reading newspapers. Every time I ditched them they must have been pissed. I never let on that I was aware of them. I even left my hotel before 5:00am once as that's when they came on duty traveling in an old, dusty white car. It sure was dark and cold that morning! When I eventually flew out of Lhasa, they were waiting for me at the airport. A terse woman in a Chinese military uniform with cap confiscated a number of items. She emptied my backpack and carry-on putting half of my stuff on a far table. As I didn't speak Chinese and as she didn't speak English, the only word we could agree on was "No". Fortunately, she didn't think much of this old prayer box. She delayed me from clearing customs until the very last minute so I had to run to catch my flight. It was a wonderful experience! Scroll box will be sent via UPS (USPS if PO Box), insured with signature delivery.
Price: 175 USD
Location: Carmel by the Sea, California
End Time: 2024-02-01T18:11:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 19 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Handmade: Yes
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: China
Religion: Buddhism
