1950s Himalayan Nepalese Hand-Wrought Copper Altar Offering Bowls - Set of 7

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This authentic set of seven Tibetan Buddhist Yonchap — water offering bowls —each measuring 3.25 inches in diameter by 1.25 … Read more This authentic set of seven Tibetan Buddhist Yonchap — water offering bowls —each measuring 3.25 inches in diameter by 1.25 inches in height, features the traditional hand-hammered copper construction, crafted in the late 1950s, and beautifully showcases the irregular, artisanal textures of pre-20th-century Himalayan coppersmithing. Deeply rooted in the ancient, unadulterated traditions of independent Tibet well before the mid-20th-century Chinese invasion and subsequent eviction of Tibetan Buddhist culture, these are bowls representing an unbroken lineage of sacred Himalayan craftsmanship of daily practice. The seven 'Yonchap' bowls are arranged in a precise straight line on an altar and then filled with clean water each morning, representing the seven aspects of hospitality traditionally offered to an honored guest. This drinking water, for washing, flowers, incense, light, perfume, and food feeds the first six bowls, symbolically preparing and purifying the space, with the seventh bowl holding profound spiritual significance at the ritual's culmination. Representing Naivedya (food), the seventh bowl serves as a supreme offering of nourishment to all the Buddhas and deities in the Tibetan tradition. This final offering is the physical manifestation of gratitude and spiritual sustenance, and a powerful karmic tool for cultivating boundless abundance, selflessness, and the ultimate nourishment of the mind, on the path to enlightenment. Water is the element chosen across all seven vessels because it is considered plentiful, free from the taint of pride or attachment, and allows the practitioner to cultivate pure generosity. Each bowl in this historically significant set is adorned with hand-soldered openwork brass plaques meticulously applied and depicting traditional Buddhist auspicious symbols. The coopersmithing displays a rich, naturally aged patina after decades of ritual use, within a monastery or at a home altar. The varying coloration and unique tool marks across the collection make this a scarce, culturally rich, complete devotional set perfect for collectors or practitioners alike. See less