Gyatum Lapis

Lapis blue ground. A lobed medallion of coral peonies and blue cloud-scrolls on a deep blue field, with square vases above and below. The coral and cream come forward hard against the blue. Border: A wide band of coloured stripes — blue, olive, rust and plum — under a row of cloud shapes. Palette: Lapis, royal blue, coral, cream, olive, rust. What it signifies: The blue is a deliberate choice. Sangye Menla, the Medicine Buddha, is described as the colour of lapis lazuli, and blue in Tibetan usage means the sky, healing and depth. The banded stripe round the edge is borrowed from the trim of chubas and altar hangings, where layered colour reads as rainbow light. The coral flowers are protective — coral has been the jewel of Himalayan adornment for centuries. "Lapis for the Medicine Buddha, edged with a band of rainbow light." Auspicious for the home: Lapis is the colour associated with Sangye Menla, the Medicine Buddha, and with rest, depth and clear mind. Homes place these blues in the quieter rooms a bedroom, a study, a prayer corner rather than in the busiest one. Given as a gift it carries a wish for wellbeing rather than for wealth. Best for: The statement piece. Needs a large room and plain walls hides light wear better than the ivories.