A SILVER AND BRASS RITUAL ‘DRAGON & MAKARA’ TEAPOT, TIBET, LATE 18TH TO EARLY 19TH CENTURY

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A SILVER AND BRASS RITUAL ‘DRAGON & MAKARA’ TEAPOT, TIBET, LATE 18TH TO EARLY 19TH CENTURY Expert’s note The prominent use of two distinct mythical creatures is particularly characteristic of the symbolic vocabulary of Tibetan metalwork. The handle is unmistakably conceived as a horned dragon, a powerful auspicious creature associated with the heavens, elemental forces, and sovereign authority, while the spout emerges from the jaws of a makara, recognizable by its characteristic elephantine trunk and composite features. Their placement is also highly effective: the vessel appears almost animated by the two creatures, with the dragon grasped by the user as the handle while the liquid emerges through the jaws of the makara. In Tibetan art, both dragons and makaras frequently occur on ritual vessels, textiles, furniture, and architectural decoration, where they function as auspicious emblems and potent guardians. The body tapers towards the base and rises to a tall neck, surmounted by a domed cover with a bud-shaped finial. The curved spout emerges from the jaws of a makara with an elephantine trunk, while the handle is modeled as a two-horned dragon with its tongue extended, both finely detailed in silver. The cover is secured to the body by a separately cast brass chain. (2) Dimensions: Height 29.5 cm Elaborate teapots with handles in the form of dragons and spouts in the form of makaras were found throughout the Tibetan cultural area in slightly differing styles. Unlike dragons, makaras are composite aquatic creatures, typically distinguished by an elephantine or crocodilian snout, a wide-open mouth, and fantastical hybrid features, whereas Tibetan dragons are generally characterized by a more serpentine body, prominent horns, and distinctly leonine features. Such elaborate vessels were reserved for special occasions, including weddings and other ceremonies, or for serving important visitors. Literature comparison: Compare a related brass and silver teapot, 30.2 cm, Tibet, 19th century, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number IM.113-1927. Compare a related brass and silver teapot with dragon handle and makara spout, 34.8 cm, Tibet, 19th century, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number IM.154-1921. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Zacke, Vienna, 10 March 2023, lot 525 Price: EUR 11,700 or approx. EUR 13,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form of the handle and spout, and size (31.3 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams London, 10 May 2022, lot 466 Price: GBP 8,925 or approx. EUR 12,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form of the handle and spout, and size (33 cm). Note the fine decoration to the body and cover.

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