Vajracarya Priest's Crown
This crown's lavish use of mercury gilding conveys the appearance of a golden object, enhanced with generous settings of turquoise and rock crystal. It is surprising that all the appliqué elements, including the crowned Buddhas, were modeled from repoussé sheet metal, rather than having been cast. This is a tour de force of Newar metalworking.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vajracarya Priest's Crown
- Date: ca. 15th–16th century
- Culture: Nepalese
- Medium: Copper, gold, turquoise, semi-precious stones, silver foil
- Dimensions: H. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm); W. 8 9/16 in. (21.7 cm); D. 9 1/16 in. (23 cm); Wt. 5 lb. 0.7 oz. (2287.8 g)
- Classification: Helmets
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1948
- Object Number: 48.128
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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