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This chosham has three niches framed by decorative carvings of foliage. The upper part, or crown, is carved with the Three Jewels and the Eight Auspicious Symbols. The section below the crown represents hanging garlands of jewels and flowers. The outer columns feature the Four Harmonious Friends - an elephant, monkey, rabbit, and bird - standing on each other's backs. The lowest frontal section, or veranda, is carved with lotus petals.
Tibetan Shrine Cabinet (Chosham)
OriginNew York, New York
Date2012-2013
Dimensions36 1/2 × 46 × 17 in.
MediumWood, pigments and varnish
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberSC2013.1
DescriptionTo present statues in a private place of worship, Tibetan Buddhists create special cabinets called "dharma displays" (chosham). They usually resemble small temples and can be simply or elaborately carved and painted, as in this carved example specifically commissioned for the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room.This chosham has three niches framed by decorative carvings of foliage. The upper part, or crown, is carved with the Three Jewels and the Eight Auspicious Symbols. The section below the crown represents hanging garlands of jewels and flowers. The outer columns feature the Four Harmonious Friends - an elephant, monkey, rabbit, and bird - standing on each other's backs. The lowest frontal section, or veranda, is carved with lotus petals.
18th century
19th century
ca.19th century
Second half of 20th century
11th century
19th century
19th century
late 18th - early 19th century
mid-14th to mid-15th century
late 18th – early 19th century
