Pair of Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinets

These exquisite cabinets have a unique history; they were crafted in Tibet at the dawn of the twentieth century. Their construction is traditional to Tibetan design, using pine for the frame and a wonderful palette of green, yellow, blue and orange to create a beautiful aesthetic. While the colours will have initially been brighter, they now have a more muted, autumnal feel. In line with Tibetan culture, cabinets like these were typically produced in pairs and were used to store ceremonial robes, significant documents, and even yak butter for lamps. The paintings show various religious symbols important in Buddhism. Lotus flowers symbolise the Buddha's awakening and purity, whilst the white elephant to the top right of one cabinet signifies dignity, strength and peace. The upper section of the second cabinet shows the 'Buddhas of the three times' (past, present and future).