Tiger

The depiction on this Nepalese box is of a tiger skin.

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      Box Size:  Width 20.5cm x Depth 12.5cm x Height 13cm

In both Tibetan and traditional Chinese culture, the tiger is one of the four supernatural creatures and is a symbol of strength, bravery and military prowess.

The tiger skin was originally an emblem of Shiva who by using it's skin as a meditation mat indicated that he had conquered lust and demonic forces. Similarly in Tantric Buddhism, deities are often seen mounting a tiger to symbolise their fearlessness.

Unfortunately, during the rule of the British Raj the Bengal tiger population was decimated. This resulted in tiger pelts being replaced by carpets and rugs with tiger skin designs. Similarly tiger skin designs also became popular on Tibetan style boxes and furniture.