Lot 110F
Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine gilt-brass prayer box elaborately jeweled with a carved multi-piece turquoise Buddha, with four natural ruby cabochons set in the corners, and a pink and green faceted glass border. The exterior border is comprised of thirty-six cut turquoise stones, each surrounded by a stippled border. The lid is fastened on a barrel-shaped hinge which opens to reveal a striking depiction of Buddha composed of carved coral fragments. Set with four coral stones in the corners and a similar cut turquoise border as that surrounding the lid, this is an exceptional example of Tibetan prayer boxes! Size: 2.5" W x 3.375" H (6.4 cm x 8.6 cm).
Buddhists all over the world use a prayer box known as a "ghau," designed to conceal a hidden space in which the owner may place sacred mantras, pictures of the Buddha or other deities, sacred relics, or herbs. Many are worn on a cord around the neck and are smaller than this early example.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex-Bill Freeman estate collection, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA and New Mexico, USA, acquired 1960s to 1980s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#133109
- Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, light tarnishing to brass surfaces, minor clouding to jewels and glass elements, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory sticker on verso.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |