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Vajracarya Priest's Crown

ca. 13th century
Not on view
This handsome crown features a pronounced towering summit, which echoes one seen in the Ajanta mural painting (a reproduction of which is also displayed in Crowns of the Vajra Masters: Ritual Art of Nepal). The openwork medallions are particularly refined and display the skill of Newar artists in working sheet copper. The lotus bloom and stem openwork panels are also exceptional for their quality of execution and point to an early date in the chronology of these crown types. They can be understood as directly descending stylistically from the earliest known example, dated by inscription to 1145.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Vajracarya Priest's Crown
  • Date: ca. 13th century
  • Culture: Nepalese
  • Medium: Copper, gold, crystal, turquoise
  • Dimensions: H. 14 in. (35.6 cm); W. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); D. 9 in. (22.9 cm); Wt. 4 lb. 0.4 oz. (1825.7 g)
  • Classification: Helmets
  • Credit Line: Gift of Bashford Dean, 1906
  • Object Number: 06.191
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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