Description:

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A lovely traveling shrine called a gau with a brass body covered by a brass and 59.5% silver lid. The interior is empty but is intended for holding personal prayer scrolls, religious trinkets, or petite figurines of specific deities. The front panel is elaborately decorated with a mythological creature on the bottom as well as several auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism. Pairs of strap loops on either side of the body enabled the owner to secure it to a pack or a horse when traveling. Size: 2.75" L x 6.4" W x 7.75" H (7 cm x 16.3 cm x 19.7 cm); silver quality: 59.5%

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-private New Jersey, USA collection, acquired in India in the 1950s to 1970s

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#173990

  • Condition: Front panel is removable by removing 5 petite iron pins. Minor abrasions, with separation to back panel from body along top periphery, and light fraying to included string, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout. Interior cavity is empty.

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February 24, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000