Nepalese Portable Shrine with Citipati Motif

Skeletons dance on the doors and skulls line the frame, all of them grinning.

This portable shrine with Citipati motif comes from Nepal and dates to the mid to late 19th century. It is bronze. In Himalayan Buddhism, the Citipati are a pair of dancing skeletal protectors, generally understood as reminders of impermanence rather than as figures of dread. Here the paired dancers appear in relief on the two doors, among clouds, animals and offerings, fastened at the center with a small chain. A row of skulls frames the opening, more dancing skeletons crown the scalloped crest, and two larger skulls form the feet. It is 10 inches wide and 15 high.

A cheerful reminder, beautifully made, that nothing lasts.