Damascened iron case

This elaborate case has been decorated with a technique called damascene work (named because it was associated with the city of Damascus), which consists of gold wire fused to simpler surface. In this example, the iron case is ornamented with flowers and small elephants and horses supported flaming jewels. This Buddhist symbol suggests that the case was a precious object in a monastery. It could have been used to store pens or rolled documents.

See related items

Damascened iron case

Damascened Khattwanga, sceptre

Shamana mirror

Padmasambhava