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Pair of Cabinet Doors with Dancing Skeletons (Chitipati), Late 18th - early 19th century. Creator: Unknown
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Pair of Cabinet Doors with Dancing Skeletons (Chitipati), Late 18th - early 19th century. Creator: Unknown
Pair of Cabinet Doors with Dancing Skeletons (Chitipati), Late 18th - early 19th century
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Media ID 36349634
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Cabinet Clothes Press Door Doors Linen Press Ornament Skeleton Skeletons Skull South And Southeast Asian Art Tent Tents Tibet Tibetan
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This striking pair of cabinet doors, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century, showcase the intricate and enigmatic art of South and Southeast Asia. Known as Chitipati or Chhutki Pat, these doors originated from Tibet or Nepal and were likely used as the doors of a cloth press or a linen press. The doors are adorned with a lively scene of dancing skeletons, their colorful costumes and ornate headdresses adding a whimsical and festive air to the otherwise somber subject matter. The skeletons, depicted in various stages of dance, are surrounded by an intricate floral and geometric design, further highlighting the rich cultural heritage of this art form. The doors are made of wood, with intricate ornamentation achieved through the use of mineral pigments and shellac. The tassels and fringes, made of linen or silk, add texture and movement to the piece. The concept of dancing skeletons, or Chitipati, is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of Tibet and Nepal. These figures are believed to represent the idea of impermanence and the cyclical nature of life and death. The dancing skeletons are often depicted in pairs, symbolizing the balance between life and death, and are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. This pair of cabinet doors is a rare and captivating example of the artistic traditions of Tibet and Nepal, and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of South and Southeast Asia. Currently housed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), these doors are a must-see for anyone interested in the history and art of this fascinating continent.
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