Tibetan Trunk with Ornamental Strapwork

Two dragons in a red sky, strapped down with iron.

This trunk with ornamental strapwork is from Tibet, late 18th century, in Himalayan pine with iron mounts. Painted chests were common in Tibetan monasteries and households, where bright pigment and dragon imagery were part of the visual language. On the front, two gold dragons face each other across clouds of green, yellow and blue on a vermilion ground. Black iron straps with pierced flower-like ends cross the panel. It sits on a low dark stand. It is 51 inches long, 23 deep and 36 high.

Whatever is inside, it has good security.