The sacred water vase [Tib. bum pa] is essential to all Vajrayana tantric rituals and empowerments for the purpose of purification and consecration. The contents of the vase represents the sacred universe comprising the mandala of visualized deities.

Crafted in the Himalayas, the ritual vase is composed of silver and gold plated copper, studded with mountain coral and turquoise.

The circular crown features embossed gold emblems of the 5 Buddha Families. A slender water spout issuing from the head of a Makara is crowned with a conical fan-like sprinkler [Tib. phun-dro] adorned with a small brocade swatch, a peacock feather, and kusha grass.

The bumpa measures 21 cm in height, and approximately 40 cm including the feathers.