TORGAM OFFERING CABINET
19th Century
#77010
A Tibetan Buddhist cabinet used to house offerings (torma)
These ‘torgam’ are placed in special shrines and homes and offerings are placed inside
in order to activate and engage these fierce gods to become protectors and friends to the faithful.
This piece displays a painting of the ‘Bone Palace’
the residence of the fierce diety ‘Citipati’ and his consort, friends of the wrathful diety
Mahakala
Distinctive and unique to Tibetan furniture, the symbolism is often labeled ‘Tantric’
 
hand drawn wood construction
single door
leather door pull
interior has significant art on three sides
W:16.5 inch (41cm) D: 14inch (336cm H: 25inch (64cm)
Weight: 20lb /9 kg
 
Reference:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/832690
lacma.org/…/service-buddha-tibetan-furniture-hayward-family-collection
https://stanfordmag.org/contents/u-n-officer-and-supporter-of-tibetan-people
https://blogs.cuit.columbia.edu/ajw2203/2019/07/23/a-painted-tibetan-cabinet-chagam/
Buckley, Chris. Tibetan Furniture: Identifying, Appreciating, Collecting. Thames & Hudson, 2005.
https://unframed.lacma.org/2010/11/10/in-the-land-of-snow-lions-phoenixes-and-dragons