Antique Tibetan Gau, Himalayan Pendant, Silver, Turquoise, 22.1 Grams

This is a well preserved early 20th century small Gau Box in double ogival form. worn by Tibetan women and very popular in the border areas of west and south Tibet and in the Indian Himalayan districts.

The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped silver filigree sprig leaves, flower and petal elements, surrounding a stylized turquoise bezel "Tree of Life" and with the Axis Mundi". The axis mundi (also cosmic axis, world axis, world pillar and centre of the world) is a symbol representing the centre of the world where the heaven (sky) connects with the earth.
It has a border of very small individually applied lotus petal elements.

The Gau box weights 22.1 grams.

The ga’u was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube in good condition. The lower decoration is a stylised dorje ornament.

The Ga’u still has the original backing plate. The Gau Box has been strung on a black handmade Indian Cotton Cord with a looped end for closing.

Height: 2 1/4″ (5.5 cm)
Width: 2" (5 cm)
Weight: 22.1 Grams, (0.785 oz).
Black Cotton Cord: 46 cm (18")