6. Bar for ancient Tibetan lock Tibet 12th-14th c ? iron 12" long |
Detail: back - other side An ancient iron lock piece, likely used for locking a monastery door, featuring two lions facing out from a stupa. It is difficult to date such items, but this one appears ancient. The two lions are part of a piece that extended out over the tang, and which likely were part of the locking device. That piece is damaged and the lion on that side has had its face smashed on, perhaps when the lock was broken to enter the building. The lions are attached to the bar via the stupa, which forms a rivet. Detail: detail of lion |
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