Pair of Seals
Bone
Tibet
18th ct
H: 5 cm

Two seals made of bone, each of them has a string attached through a hole. The tops are formed in convoluted patterns looking like a cloud or a flower bud, underneath small lotus petals decorating part of the neck. Both seals bear the same stamp, the wheel of dharma of the buddha teachings or dharmachakra. It is also one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhism. These eight symbols are said to be gifted to Buddha after his enlightenment. Most dharmachakras have eight spokes, representing the eightfold path. According to legend Buddha set the wheel in motion after giving his first sermon. In most cases the eight auspicious symbols are found on the seals as decoration or as seal imprint. Other frequent symbols are Chinese or Tibetan Phag-spa script with good luck or blessings.
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