19th Century Painted Tiger Stripe Tibetan Antique Storage Box Furniture From East Tibet

This is a rare early Tibetan Cabinet. It has a wooden frame with a layer of sheepskin wrapped around it. and iron pieces are used to reinforce its edges. The front. back. and sides form the shape of a tiger’s skin. The front displays a fierce tiger head with glaring eyes and sharp teeth. The tiger skin pattern flows like water. with thick and powerful tiger claws. In Tibetan Buddhism. the use of animal skins carries a unique interpretation. Decorations on wrathful deities. such as animal skins. human skins. and tiger skins. represent the elimination of the three Poisons: Greed. Hatred. and Delusion. At its top is a Shmashana pattern. a representation of an attitude that transcends life and death. sees through all things. and embraces a fearless approach to life.