Tibetan Red & Green Longevity Coffer

Crafted in 19th-century Tibet, this captivating storage cabinet is beautifully decorated from end to end with vibrant red and green pigments. Densely patterned with incredible detail, the hand-painted facade is a celebration of traditional artistry and a testament to the maker's patience and skill. The decoration employs a painting technique known as "kyung bur," wherein artists use a mixture of gesso, resin, oil and pigments to build up raised outlines and low relief textures. Kyung bur painting adds depth and emphasis to the painted motifs, and imparts a smooth, tactile surface that calls to be touched.

For use as a sideboard or buffet, the cabinet's originally closed front has been modified to open by four small, front-facing doors, revealing two interior compartments. The front consists of six inset panels, each painted with a cartouche of flower blossoms, trailing vines and round shou characters (壽) for longevity. Contrasted by a red lacquer field, the floral motifs are drawn in black lacquer with raised kyung bur outlines, and today only bear traces of the original gilt finish. The red cartouche is enclosed by a border of geometric scrollwork, set against a bright green painted field. A triangular brocade pattern decorates the surrounding cabinet frame.