The main body of this iron cup is left undecorated to resemble the bone of the human cranium. The cover has gold and silver overlay using a crosshatched technique with images of severed heads, skulls, entrails and organs. It has a ‘vajra’ (thunderbolt) handle. It is supported by a triangular pedestal with silver and gold overlay of flames and waves. Iron is considered the most powerful medium in which to convey tantric observance in Tibetan ritual.This cup was probably used as a ceremonial vessel in ritual offerings to the tantric gods of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dharmapala and the Yidam tutelary deities. The use of the ‘kapala’ (skullcup) has multilayered significance in Tibetan ritual, transmuting base desire and ignorance and iron is considered the most powerful medium with which to convey tantric observance in.
