Crown (Primary Title)
Unknown (Artist)
Heavily encrusted with gems and semiprecious stones, this elaborate crown may, like the adjacent one, have been worn by a priest or shaman during rituals. However, the patterning around its lower band, which resembles the wound fabric of a court turban, suggests that it might have been used in a more secular context. Affixed to this band is a pair of receptacles for additional ornamentation, perhaps feathers or hanging jewels. The finial protruding from the floral medallion at the top may represent either a lotus or a vajra.
Gift of Berthe and John Ford
“Mystic Visions: The Virginia Museum’s Collection of Nepalese and Tibetan Art,” VMFA, July 6-December 27, 1992
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.