This rare Tibetan beer pitcher (17”h x 15” w x 5”t ) with a round iron shake and damascene style inlay in copper silver and brass comes from Eastern Tibet region and was made in the 17-19th century. In Kham, Chamdo and Derge were two metal work centers with craftsmen renowned for its damascene- a technique developed in ancient Damascus to create designs in metals. This was achieved by scoring the surface a hard metal (iron) and hammering a softer metal (gold or silver) to fill into the scored pattern.
This elaborate vessel was made for both domestic and ceremonial purposes and the flat shape of vessel allowed easier transportation on horses or pack animals. The pitcher’s shape, (common in Central Asia -moon flasks) is unique to Tibetan utensils and was adapted by Tibetan craftsmen from a Chinese prototype. It combines typical Tibetan motifs, such as the dragon handle and makara spout, with a Chinese dragon in the central medallion surrounded by the foliage of Buddhist emblems; and has a stopper which is held by a chain (original).
A similar beer jug with dragon patterns is held in the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum (acc.# IM.22-1928), and another at the Newark museum.
