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Tibetan Name: Thod-Pa, Kapala, Bandha, Dung-chen Materials: Lost Wax Method, Copper, Made in Nepal Height: 6 1/2 inches Width: 7 inches Depth: 9 1/2 inches Weight: 4 pounds Click here to view more images of the copper Skull Cup, Kapala As the libation vessel of a Vajrayana Buddhist, the skull cup can be seen as a parallel of the clay pot (kumbha in Sanskrit) of the Vedic sacrifice, the alms bowl of the Buddha, and the sacred water vase (kalasha in Sanskrit) of the bodhisattvas. In addition, as a receptacle for sacrificial offerings presented to wrathful deities, the skull cup parallels the tray of auspicious substances like jewels, flowers, or fruit presented to peaceful deities. In its most benign symbolism, as the begging bowl or food vessel of an ascetic, the skull cup serves as a constant reminder of death and impermanence. In symbolism, the skull
cup is usually held in the left 'wisdom' hand and frequently positioned in front
of the diety's heart, where it may be paired with such right hand 'method'
implements such as the vajra or curved knife. It can at times be mounted
on a tripod of skulls as seen in this particular piece. |
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