Tibetan astrological antiques give a rare insight into the beliefs of Tibetan culture.
Below are some examples and price guides of Tibetan Astrological Antiques including an early plaque and a fortune tellers scroll or astrological chart.
AN ASTROLOGICAL DIAGRAM OF ZODIAC AND HOROSCOPES
TIBET, 18TH CENTURY
Distemper on cloth.
Sold for €765 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
Early Tibetan Plaque / Calendar (Lunar Months, Zodiac)
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A copper chased plaque depicting a Tibetan calendar, lunar months with the astrological elements such as animal zodiac, mandalas, inscriptions, and Buddhas/bodhisattvas along the upper edge. The repousse details are captured in high relief, especially on the central zodiac mandala, and the text is etched into the lower edge and around the figures. The months are symbolized by the 12 animals of the zodiac, and each year also has an element designation (water, fire, earth, wind).
Sold for US$550 at Artemis Gallery in 2024
Fortune Teller’s Scroll or Astrological Chart of Manjushri System, Tibet, 19th century, gouache on cotton with fabric sides and wooden handle, 13 x 50.5 inches, in a cherry wood frame 22 x 58.5 inches, typical Tibetan astrologer’s chart with Chinese influence that would have been carried by a trained prognosticator, such as local priests or high-ranking lamas, used to calculate horoscopes and predict auspicious times for future events and rituals, sword wielding Manjushri at upper center, with numerous animal themed diagrams, boxes, geometric patterns, “Cosmic Turtle” chart and circular diagram, to the far right is an unusual large block of illustrations.
Sold for US$3,000 at Concept Art Gallery in 2020
Tibetan 19 Century Astrological Thangka surrounded by Bodhisattvas, Magic Animals, with Bagua and 3X3 Magic Square to center; mounted with antique gold & silk brocades, the reverse with Signature. Height of art 20 inches (50.7 cm.) X width of art 16 3/8 inches (41.5 cm.).
Sold for US$1,000 at Eddie’s Auction in 2020
