Buddhist Stupa - Brass - Nepal - Late 20th century

Tibetan Buddhist Kadampa Stupa (Reliquary)

Cast in a single piece of brass, this stupa features the classic inverted-bowl silhouette. The finial—crowned by a lotus-petal jewel—is adorned with gracefully swaying pendants, while the thirteen-tiered *chattravali* (umbrella spire) symbolizes the thirteen stages of spiritual practice. The inverted-bowl body of the stupa is exquisitely chased with the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, signifying good fortune and spiritual perfection; the double-tiered lotus-petal base is carved with rich, full contours, demonstrating superb craftsmanship.

The Tibetan Buddhist Kadampa Stupa serves as a vital ritual object for devotees, utilized for the enshrinement of sacred relics and for offering prayers for blessings.