Tibetan Gau, Parcel Gilt, Silver, Copper, Coral

TIBET, MID 19th CENTURY, WOMAN'S OVAL GAU, GHAU RELIQUARY AMULET BOX

With a parcel gilt Vajra or Dorje (thunderbolt) stylized center piece added, a genuine coral cabochon inset around a decorated brass bezel.  I have not cleaned this Gau box - but it will polish up beautifully.

This is a beautiful antique, c.1850 Tibetan Gau Amulet Box and the oval domed front is of high grade silver, 92.5% approx.  The back section is made of copper.  Although worn in all areas, the oval-shaped silver gau was particularly favored by women in Lhasa and the southern border areas of Tibet, in Sikkim and Bhutan.  The front has beautiful high relief repousse work on all side and a chased brass Vajra or Dorje (thunderbolt) stylized centre added with a genuine coral cabochon inset around a decorated brass bezel. The parcel gilt overlay is held in place with a sturdy clip on the inside.  The Gau was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube.

The lower decoration is a stylised dorje ornament which hangs at the bottom when worn and a ring clip for attaching other ornaments.  Dorje is a Sanskrit word meaning a thunderbolt. Additionally, it is a weapon which is used as a ritual object to symbolize both the properties of a thunderbolt (irresistible force).  The copper back removes to enable blessed items to be stored.  This Gau has been extensively worn and shows signs signs of wear all over - but still in good condition.

The Gau Box has been strung on a new black Indian traditional handmade cotton thread cord with a looped end closing. 

Weight: 48.6 Grams (1.710 oz.)
Width: 5.5 cm (2 1/4 " )
Height: 8 cm (3 1/4")
Bale: 11 mm (3/8")
Cotton Cord:  46 cm (18")
Material: Front Tested silver high grade 92.5%
Back: Copper

PRICE: USD $795.00 
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