Stupa

Art Historical Context

This exquisite brass stupa, crafted in Western Tibet during the 13 century, stands as a miniature marvel of Buddhist devotion. Measuring just over 8 inches tall, it exemplifies the region's masterful metalwork traditions, likely produced through lost-wax casting—a technique that allowed for intricate detailing on a small scale. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 1982 by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Eisen, it now graces the Asian Art galleries, inviting visitors to ponder its sacred geometry. In Tibetan Buddhism, stupas symbolize the enlightened mind of the Buddha, encapsulating his life, teachi...