During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century these top-opening boxes were gradually replaced by the more practical front-opening cabinet as the principle storage container.    Most of the Tibetan boxes displayed here date from the 16th, 17th, or 18th century. A number of regional styles are represented as well. Most of the examples in the top rows originate in central Tibet around Lhasa or Shigatze. The ones with the drapery effect across the top originate in the vicinity of Lhoka, while from Kham come the bold designs of those similar to #17026 to #17028.

The supply of boxes of this quality coming out of Tibet in recent years has diminished to a trickle. It is soon likely to stop altogether. It has taken us years to accumulate this collection and this is the first time we have shown all these boxes together as a collection. All are in original condition with no repainting.

The first digits below the small image represent our inventory number. That number is followed by the dimensions in inches in the following order: length by width by height. Please use the inventory number when making inquiries.

Prices range from $3,000 to $9,000. A price list is available upon inquiry. You can use the email link on the bottom of this page to contact us.