This is a great item... it is an old bamboo thermos from Bhutan. If a person has the opportunity to visit the Himalayas, one thing they will quickly notice is how the thermos with hot beverages is never lacking, be it tea  or as with this item thumba a millet beer served warm, the thermal container is an indispensable item.  And its not just in homes, but also when out working in the fields or pastures, or walking to pilgrimage sights or just out on a picnic. The Himalayan matriarch always seems to have a thermos at arms reach, and she is diligent in her generosity, constantly topping off everyone's cup - making sure no cup falls below half full.

Of course now days, there are modern press pot thermoses, and fancy ones with the 8 auspicious symbols, and so on. But, carrying a thermos is by no means a new phenomena. This item proves the point. It is either a big flask or a thermos, depending on what is kept inside, and while I wouldn't rule out tea entirely... chances are it was something with a bit more nip to it.  The top has a hole in it where a small pipe, something like a giant bamboo straw was inserted.

This piece is in great condition. The outside is finely woven bamboo slats, and it has a hard bamboo stalk body underneath. The brass hardware has nice rich patina. These things are really unique and are quite ingenious, - needless to say they make for great conversation pieces. This great old thermos is a nice accessory when kept in proximity to other Himalayan antiques and furniture. This one is from Bhutan, the world's last surviving Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom, and is typical of the way the Bhutanese adeptly incorporated bamboo into all manner of utilitarian objects. These kinds of items, with their patina of character, and distinctive scent always seem to emit visions of their past. Its easy to imagine the Druk pa or Druk ma (The terms used to refer to Bhutanese men and women respectively) returning home, emerging into their highland village from the rich green forests of Bhutan with this thermos slung around their back