A BLACKSTONE SHRINE Nepal H. 23,5 cm The square base surmounted by a smaller one, the rims differently engraved, set with a separate carved shrine consisting of two closed leaf-shaped sections topped with a finial, the outsides carved in relief with a four-armed respectively two-armed figure of Mahakala, each standing on a lotus-base and placed against a flaming background, the insides sculpted with Sarvabuddhadakini and possibly Vajrapani standing on a lotus-base and surrounded by flames. Former old German private collection, acquired prior to 2007 Traces of age, partly slightly chipped