Gyatum — Gyaltsen Gold

Saffron gold ground. A saffron field with a blue-and-coral wreath at the centre, a banner-topped vase above and below and blue scroll brackets in the corners, inside a wide stepped band of coloured stripes. Border: A broad stepped band of blue, wine, olive and gold stripes under a row of small cloud scrolls. Palette: Saffron gold, cobalt, wine, olive, coral, cream. What it signifies: The vase here carries a banner on its neck: a treasure vase crowned with the gyaltsen, the victory banner — the sign of victory over ignorance — and both belong to the eight auspicious symbols. The wreath at the centre is the lotus seat, and the stepped band round the edge is borrowed from the layered trim of chubas and altar hangings, where colour reads as rainbow light. "Treasure and victory together, edged with rainbow light." Auspicious for the home: Treasure vase and victory banner together are a wish for prosperity that also holds — success that is not lost again. A natural gift for someone starting a business or a new post, and it belongs where the work is done: a study or an office. Best for: The most graphic drawing in the collection — the banner vase and stepped border read from across a room.