Tibetan Brass Trunk

Yak leather, brass corners, and the air of having been somewhere high up.

This trunk comes from Tibet and dates to the mid 19th century, made of yak leather over wood with brass mounts. In Tibet, stout leather-covered chests stored clothing, documents and valuables in homes and monasteries, and could be loaded on pack animals for travel. The dark leather has gone glossy on the lid and is scuffed and scratched across the front. Brass mounts shaped like small clouds cap each corner, and a lobed metal plate holds the hasp at center. 28 inches long.

It has kept its secrets. Most trunks do.