An inscribed Tibetan Monk's cap copper ewer 17th/18th century, the extremely large ewer was made for serving tea to monks in a communal dining hall. Two lines of formal Tibetan script (U-chen) runs around the front of the ewer stating that the ewer was commissioned for the Tashi Lhunpo monsatery in Shigatse., the inscription reads 'This vessel made of red sandal-wood and its essence, May bring merits to all sentient beings and accumulate the merits and insights, thus leading to the realm of Buddhahood. This copper kettle is dedicated to Tashi Lhunpo monks by Jagyabpa Depa Namgyal Sherab, design sculptured by Drulrig kyi Bhendhe', 59 cm high. Provenance: Purchased from Michael Backman, Ltd, London. Other Notes: the Tashi Lhunpo monsatery in Shigatse was one of the most important monasteries in Tibet. It was founded in 1447 by the first Dalai lama.