Tibetan Food Vessel
26 March 2026
Description

Antique, smuggled out of communist Tibet into northern Thailand in the early 1900s. Made out of wood.

Dimensions

12 inch diameter at widest 25 inches from base to top

Acquired from
Other
For sale
Yes
Answered within 4 days
By David U.
Mar 30, 13:07 UTC
Fair Market Value
$250 - $500 USD
Insurance Value $0 USD
What does this mean?

Hello, this item is a large Tibetan style decorative wooden vessel with a fitted lid, most likely made in the mid to late 20th century, probably in Nepal, northern India, or a nearby Himalayan production center. Based on the additional information provided, I agree that the body appears to be carved wood rather than metal, and teak or another dense hardwood is a plausible identification. The bright red lacquered interior, the applied gilt surface finish, and the mirrored glass insets are all consistent with decorative Himalayan style export pieces made for the interior design market. Although the form takes inspiration from traditional Tibetan ceremonial containers, the construction, surface treatment, and ornamental character indicate a later decorative object rather than an antique vessel from early 1900s Tibet.

From a market perspective, pieces of this kind are valued primarily for size, craftsmanship, and decorative presence rather than for rarity as true antique ritual art. At approximately 25 inches high, this example has strong visual impact and falls into a category that appeals to buyers of eclectic, Asian inspired, or bohemian interiors. Comparable large wooden Tibetan style decorative vessels usually trade in the secondary market within a moderate decorative arts range, especially when condition is good and the mirrored glass ornament remains intact. The fair market value remains $250 to $500 USD.

Daniel gabriel Mar 31, 13:09 UTC

Thank you for your review. I am certain it is made of wood, not metal. I was told that it was teak wood. When I purchased it, it was covered in dust which had turned into a paste because of humidity, which I needed to clean with toothpaste. The colored pieces do appear to be mirrored glass.

David u. Apr 01, 10:30 UTC

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for the additional clarification. Your note is helpful, and I agree that the structure does appear to be primarily wood, very possibly teak or another hardwood, with a lacquered red interior and applied decorative surface ornament. The mirrored glass insets are also consistent with that reading. Based on the photographs and your description, I will revise the assessment.

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