Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine cast sterling silver and brass pendant and ritualistic container known as a gau or prayer box, that opens into 2 halves. The remains of an antique leather cord hold the lid and body together, and a larger chain or necklace would have passed through the large suspension loop for wearing. This pendant was designed to hold sacred Buddhist mantras blessed by a lama, pictures of the Buddha, other sacred relics, or herbs that provided protection while the gau was ornamentation for the wearer. The oval-shaped style, such as this example, are popularly worn by women in Lhasa and the southern border region of Tibet and Bhutan. Size: 2.125" L x 2.5" W (5.4 cm x 6.4 cm); silver quality: 93.42%; weight: 58.1 grams

Provenance: private Akron, Ohio, USA collection

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#175953

  • Condition: Turquoise bezel is very loose but attached to lid. Indentations and perforations to lid, nicks, and abrasions. Leather cord is cracked and stiff, delicate and should be replaced. Areas of green and white patina and mineral deposits.

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December 8, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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