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192

Amulet Box Gau with Ornate Front and Turquoises, Tibet, c. 1900

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 EUR Estimated At:480.00 - 600.00 EUR
Amulet Box Gau with Ornate Front and Turquoises, Tibet, c. 1900
Metal, copper, turquoises
Tibet, around 1900 or slightly later
Decorated, engraved front
Mythical creatures and Buddhist symbols of good fortune in high relief
Mountings on the side
Vegetable engraved ornaments
Round turquoise deposits
Dimensions: 14.5 x 12.5 x 5cm
Good condition
Object is regular taxed. Differential taxation is not possible.
This amulet box is called ga’u in Tibetan and consists of a finely chased metal front and a copper back. The front is decorated with tendrils, mythical creatures such as dragons and Buddhist symbols of good fortune. The motifs are crafted in sharp relief and five round turquoise inlays adorn the corners. The casket is curved at the top, has vegetable engraved ornaments on the sides and can be mounted by the handles. This gau type is worn by Tibetan men across the chest or under the arms and used to store personal amulets and other objects.



The amulet box is in good condition with slight signs of age and wear. Small dents, scratches and nicks as well as inclusions in the stones are visible. The height is 14.5 cm, the length 12.5 cm and the width 5 cm.



Tibetan Gaus

Tibetan Gaus, portable amulet containers or prayer boxes, are mostly made from metal. They can be worn with a chain around the neck or attached to a hair slide. Gaus usually consist of two parts: the front is made of copper or silver or gold plating, often with finely chased decorations and sometimes with set with gemstones. Images of Buddha, Buddhist symbols of good fortune and other deities are often seen. Larger Gaus often have a window-like opening in the centre and have an arched shape in the upper area. The back is often made from copper and sometimes shows fine engravings, symbols or inscriptions. (lvp)
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