Model of an offering table in bronze, in the form of a rectangular tray with hes vase and four loaves in relief, a worshipper with arms upraised on one side opposite a frog-spout: Ancient Egyptian, Late Period

Rectangular calcite offering slab for unguent and sacred oils, with three hemi-spherical cavities along the upper edge: Ancient Egyptian, Old Kingdom, c.2345 -2181 BC

Bowl of tinned copper, shaped to resemble the upper section of a human skull, with separate cover and stand, used for making offerings to Buddhist deities: India, Ladakh, Hemis Monastery, Tibetan, 19th century AD

Bowl stand of tinned copper, with three grinning skulls between chased and pierced borders, for a skull-shaped bowl used for making offerings to Buddhist deities: India, Ladakh, Hemis Monastery, Tibetan, 19th century AD

Bowl cover of tinned copper, domed with flattened edge and dorje crest, for a skull-shaped bowl used for making offerings to Buddhist deities: India, Ladakh, Hemis Monastery, Tibetan, 19th century AD

Circular offering dish of brass with repousse rim, used for holding grain offering, ordinary ritual: China, Gansu Province, Gannan Prefecture, Labrang Monastery, Tibetan

Libation bowl of copper in form of the upper part of a miniature human skull, ordinary ritual: Tibet

Libation bowl cover of brass, domed and surmounted by a half dorje, ordinary ritual: Tibet

Zinc votive offering representing different scenes from the life of the Buddha including his birth and death, mounted on a wooden block: South Asia, India, possibly 18th century

Bowl of turned brass, circular with concave sides, flared lip and shallow foot, used for making offerings: Tibet, late 19th century AD