Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Divided Box CHIMAH

Description

CHIMAH/Chemar divided offering box.  Painted with Snow Lions and golden double fish.Used in New Year Ceremony.  Excellent Antique condition. Painting vibrant. It also has the lotus and other Buddhist symbols. This is a large size and probably used in Monk's Celebration. Tradition: The chimer box, which is decorated with colorful ornaments and filled with roasted barley and barley flour, is an important part of the New Year celebrations of Losar.
Measurements:
19.5"W by 9"D by 10.25"H
3.4lbs
Here is the meaning of two of the symbols painted on the divided box:
The Snow Lion is the national emblem of Tibet.  The Snow Lion resides in the East and represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind freed from doubt, clear and precise. It has a beauty and dignity resulting from a synchronized body and mind. The Snow Lion has the youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight.  Sometimes, the throne of a Buddha is depicted with eight Snow lions on it.  In this case, they represent the 8 main Bodhisattva-disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha.  Associations: main quality is fearlessness, dominance over mountains, and the earth element.
The pair of golden fish.
One of the 8-auspicious symbols.
Having complete freedom in water, fish represent happiness, fertility, and abundance.  On a spiritual level, they represent the boundless abundance of the Buddha’s energy , which never diminishes, no matter how much is given away.