beer jug

iron, damascened with gold and silver
Eastern Tibet (Kham), 16th-17th cent.
high: 42 cm.

Famous – and rare – ironwork from Eastern Tibet. Typical shape of the jug, based on the so-called `moon-flask’, to be carried on horse-back. Complete with stopper!
Around the central circle are the eight auspicious symbols (Astamangala), four at each side.