Tibet, 13th/14th century

This distinctive type of stupa, which is characteristic of the Kadampa Buddhist sect, is associated with the great religious leader, Atisha, who disseminated Buddhism throughout the Himalayas in the 11th century. This form is said to be based on a stupa he carried, and remains consistent through the 15th century. Stupas of this size were often made for commemorative purposes, and may contain the remains or relics of a religious figure. The present example is unopened and may have its contents intact. For a similar example in the Zimmerman Collection, see P. Pal, Art of the Himalayas, 1991, cat. no. 55.