Nepalese Kapala or Ritual Skull Vessel

A skull in hammered silver, with a flame at its crown and teeth at its rim.

This kapala, or ritual skull vessel, comes from Nepal and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century. It is silver. In Himalayan Buddhist and Hindu tantric practice, the skull cup is a charged symbol of impermanence, and the form is often rendered in metal. Its lid rises to a gilded finial with a flaming ornament behind it. A row of teeth lines the front edge, and a long curled form reaches out. Small heads serve as feet. It stands 11.5 inches high.

An object made for contemplation, and it will not let the subject drop.