Small Alms Bowl

This miniature carving is a representation of a prayer, or alms, bowl, in the patra form. According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha after enlightenment at Bodh Gaya arose from his seat and walked to a neighboring grove. The Guardians of the Four Quarters realized that after his long fasting period, the Buddha would need food. They brought food placed in golden bowls made of valuable materials, but Buddha accepted only those that were made of stone. Carnelian chalcedony is usually heat treated and occasionally dyed to produce color. Alms bowls are made of different sizes. This carving is merely for decorative purposes. The surface is smooth and highly polished. It is artificially dyed a rose color. Flaring from a slightly raised foot, its walls form a perfectly rounded body. Despite its status as a collector's contemporary carving, this small alms bowl is undeniably a lovely addition to the collector's inventory