Portals never cease to fascinate - whether they are gateways, doors or cabinet openings. To me they represent invitations to adventures within, enticements to experience and new elements to explore. Every time I walk through a door, there is always an element of surprise, not knowing what awaits me on the other side. The same excitement occurs when I open a cabinet door, a treasure will I find?
In the fall of 2005, I accepted an invitation from my brother to visit the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. We were a lively party of more than twenty and we visited temples and other places of interest. No one came away feeling more inspired than I. The unfamiliar architecture with the bright primary colors captured my attention and my need to be familiar with them led to my discovery of Tibetan cabinets that shine like jewels.
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| Paro Rinpung Dzong (Temple Fortress) |
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| Raven over Gangtey Palace in Paro |
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| Doorway at Changangkha Lhakhang at Thimphu |
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| Small Building housing the Gangtey Palace Hotel Shop in Paro |
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| Entrance to the Main Building at Gangtey Palace |
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| Window at Changangkha Lhakhang |
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| Altar Room at Private Residence Paro |
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| Dongtse Lhakhang |
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Courtyard at Gangtey Palace Hotel Paro with thanks to James Lee
Upon my return to the States, I had an opportunity to purchase a collection of beautifully painted Tibetan cabinets. I know very little about them, except for the fact that they once adorned the interiors of temples or wealthy people's abode and they held treasures and religious articles of which they held dear. A selection now surround me in the environment where I work, and they contain within the wonderful memories of Bhutan where the country's goal is the pursuit of gross national happiness.
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Thank you for viewing.
