LOT ISA Auctionata Auktionen AG  /  Asian & Islamic Art  / 

190

Rare Gau of a Tulku with Avalokiteshvara, Tibet, 1 H 20th C

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:600.00 EUR Estimated At:960.00 - 1,200.00 EUR
Rare Gau of a Tulku with Avalokiteshvara, Tibet, 1 H 20th C
Silver plated and partly gilt metal, copper
Tibet, first half of the 20th century
Original filling
Unopened!
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is worked in clear relief
Dimensions: 15.5 x 12.5 x 5.5 cm (height x width x depth)
Very good condition
Provenance: from an important private collection

This rare Tibetan amulet box is called ga’u and originally belongs to a Tulku. The gau has a rich decorated and silver-plated front with the image of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara with thousand arms and eleven heads. He is flanked by two figures at his feet and is the bodhisattva of compassion. The casket is curved at the top and adapts the form of the figure. The box is original filled and unopened. This Gau amulet shrine is worn across the chest or under the arms. These prayer boxes are used to store personal amulets and other objects.



The amulet container is in very good condition with usual signs of age and wear. The height measures 15.5 cm, the width 12.5 cm and the depth 5.5 cm.



Avalokiteshvara

In Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is known as the Bodhisattva of compassion. Literally translated his name roughly means 'The Lord looking at the world with compassion’. Already at a young age Avalokiteshvara has resolved to support all living creatures and to help them to salvation. He swore an oath never to ease his efforts otherwise he should shatter into a thousand pieces. According to legend he then ranged the world. As he paused to look at his work, he noticed that the suffering of the people did not diminish. This moment let him doubt, so that he broke into a thousand pieces. Immediately countless Buddhas came to him to put him together again. But this time they gave him a thousand arms and eleven heads, so that he could better fulfill his vow.



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.
Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.
Sign In to Bookmark Lot