TIBETAN GAU BOXES, TIBETAN JEWELLERY and HIMALAYAN ORNAMENTS

 

TIBETAN GAU BOXES, TIBETAN JEWELLERY and HIMALAYAN ORNAMENTS

EACH ITEM IN MY SHOP IS SELECTED BASED ON AUTHENTICITY and ARTISTIC VALUE

MYSHOP: indianamulets.com.au – Antique Indian Amulets, Ethnic Jewellery and Himalayan Ornaments gives full details about each item shown.

I ALSO SELL ON ETSY: JASMINEIUM – Antique Indian Amulets, Ethnic Jewellery and Adornments listing Antique Indian Amulets, Indian and Himalayan Ornaments, Tibetan Gau Boxes, Islamic, Central Asian Prayer Boxes, Antique Sri Lankan Jewellery and other old Ethnic Jewellery.

 

A small collection of late 19th century and 20th century Tibetan and Himalayan Silver Ga’u Amulet Boxes or Reliquary Amulets and ornaments for sale.  Almost every man, woman and child in Buddhist Tibet and the Himalayan area of India carries a variety of charms and reliquary amulets on the body, each intended for a different purpose. As Tibet had remained closed to all but the most intrepid explorers until the late 1800’s and the early 1900’s, and the culture of Tibet also came under Chinese influence and was seriously affected in 1951 by a Chinese Army invasion of Tibet that extinguished its former independence, and designated Tibet as the Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, makes these silver ga’u containers to hold and protect the various charms placed within of fragments of a monk’s robe, effigies of Buddha and other religious relics, very precious items.

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MISSION TIBET, 1903-1904

Photographs of the 1903-1904  Francis Younghusband led mission to invade Tibet, John Claude White’s incomparable photographs have turned out to be the only lasting legacy of the ill-fated adventure of the Imperial Raj into Tibet. Courtesy: The British Museum – Endangered Archives

A Group of Nuns, 1903-1904 with Gau Boxes and wearing Yak’s Hair head warmers

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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, TIBETAN GHAU, c. Early 1900’s
“Tree of Life” with Axis Mundi High Grade Silver Box, Copper Back, Filigree,
Gilt, Genuine Coral Cabochon, 137 Grams

From the Ernst Schäfer Expedition to Tibet – Exhibition, Lhasa, 1938,
Ngolok Archive, Golok Mit Gau

This Tibetan high grade silver oblong ga’u amulet box ornamented with gilt filigree work and a genuine old coral was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube. The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped gilded filigree sprig leaves, flower and petal elements, surrounding a stylized coral 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. The central gilded field has been applied separately on top of the silver box and held in place by two beautifully tailored pins. This is illustrated in the 4th listing photo. The lower decoration is a stylised dorje ornament which hangs at the bottom when worn and a loop at the bottom from which hung suspended ornaments or decorative chains that hooked up to shoulder level The outer edge is decorated with individually stamped and applied petals of an open lotus and silver beaded wire, with a copper backing container. It is very hard to find oblong ga’u amulet boxes today that have the tube and stylised dorje ornament. Most are hinged on each side for wearing. The ga’u was used as a container for handwritten or printed charms and relics, and herbs. There is some cracking across the copper back and has signs of mending. The front section, side sheet, dorje and tube of the Gau Box has been tested and are made from a high grade silver, 92.5% approx. weighing 99.5 grams (4.28 oz.)

Width: 8 cm (3″)
Height: 10 cm (4″)
Depth: 2.2 cm (7/8″)
Total Weight: 137 Grams (4.835 oz.)

PRICE: USD $815.00
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, PARCEL GILT, HIGH GRADE SILVER FRONT
Filigree, Turquoise, Coral, c. Early 1930’s, 89.5 Grams

Darjeeling Woman with Gau Box Necklace. c. 1930’s

A Collectors Piece: Exceptional Condition This is a truly beautiful rare well preserved c. early 1930’s type in double ogival form ga’u – (Gau pendant: reliquary for amulets) worn by Himalayan women and very popular in the border areas in the Bhutan and Nepal.The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped gilded filigree sprig leaves, 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. The center medallion has a gilt finish and silver beading wire around the edge. The front section has been tested and has been made from a high grade silver sheet 80-90% approx. which is now very dark from silver tarnishing. This is a typical style of decorations found on this type of amulet box. The ga’u was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube in excellent condition and has been reinforced with an extra tube inside, with four turquoise and coral stones. 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 new black Indian traditional handmade cotton thread cord with a looped end closing.

Height: 3 1/2″ (9 cm)
Width: 3 1/2″ (9 cm)
Weight: 89.5 Grams, (3.160 oz)|
Cord Length: 46 cm (18″)

PRICE: USD $825.00
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX, SQUARE, BUDDHIST EMBELMS
High Grade Silver Front, Copper Back, Coral, 149.5 Grams (5.275 oz.)

Tibetan Khampa Man with Square Gau Box

This is an antique Tibetan Gau or Ghau Amulet box with four genuine corals set in a bezel setting. The center mandala is one large coral in the centre of open lotus flower buds and four conch sells. The square surrounding the lotus flower are the Himalayan Buddhist Eight Auspicious Emblems.

1. Victory Banner 2. Coiled White Conch 3. Treasure Vase 4. Precious Parasol 5. Golden Fishes 6. Lotus Flower 7. Endless Knot 8. Dharma Wheel.
At the center top is the monster mask of Kirtimukha. The border is decorated with repousse closed lotus buds. The sides and backing plate are of copper. Two pairs of applied copper lugs are to each side to hold a belt or strap that is fastened to a belt and worn when the owner travels. This man’s Gau Box it would have been worn with a strap across the shoulder hanging to the right side under the heart. This Gau has been extensively worn and shows signs of wear all over – but still in good condition.

Height: 9.5 cm (3 3/4″)
Width: 9.5cm (3 3/4″)
Depth: 2 cm (3/4 “)
Weight: 149.5 Grams (5.275 oz.)

PRICE: USD $805.00
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MUSEUM QUALITY
CHAMDO, EASTERN TIBET, LARGE MAN’S GHAU, GAU AMULET BOX
Copper with Brass Overlays, Iron Inner Sides Central Crossed Gems Symbol
(Nor-bu-bskor-cha), 428.6 Grams

Amdo Officials, Labrang, Eastern Tibet, c. 1930’s, Newark Museum Archive

Click the above photo to take you to this brilliant website on:
Tibetan Gau Boxes – with an illustration of a similar Gau below

This is a large antique Tibetan copper Gau or Ghau amulet box with an applied brass overlay top and side panels and heavy iron inner panels. The top brass face plate etched with the auspicious emblem of four Lotus Flowers and eight Lotus Buds joined together with flowing silk ribbons. The central cut out symbol is one of the Seven Gems: the Crossed Gem (T. nor-bu bskor-cha). The Yin-Yang (or contrary influences) is chased on the top brass plate and around the sides of the Gau Box. The Gau was worn suspended from the top five loops. This man’s large Gau Box it would have been worn with a strap across the shoulder hanging to the right side under the heart or around the waist when travelling. The lower decoration is a stylized dorje ornament and a ring loop for attaching other ornaments. This Gau has been extensively worn and shows signs of wear all over – but still in good condition. The back is copper with brass side overlays and inner mixed metal support panels.

Height: 15 cm (6″)
Width: 11.5 cm (4 1/2″)
Depth: 4 cm (1 1/2″)
Weight: 428.6 Grams (15.115 oz.)

PRICE: USD $825.00
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 TIBETAN WOMAN’S OVAL GAU, RELIQUARY AMULET BOX
c. Eatrly to Mid 1900’s
(With an applied chased 10 kt gilt over brass stylized Vajra or Dorje (thunderbolt) centre piece overlay.  A genuine coral cabochon inset around a decorated brass bezel.)
48.6 Grams

Lepcha Rong Family, c. 1930

TIBET, c. early to mid 1900’s, Womans Oval Gau, Ghau Reliquary Amulet Box with a chased gilt Vajra or Dorje (thunderbolt) stylized centre piece added, and a genuine coral cabochon inset around a decorated bezel. It is becoming increasing hard to come by this type of Gau Box in good condition. 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 ga’u was particularly favoured by women in the Himalayan area and in Sikkim and Bhutan. The front has beautiful high relief repousse work on all sides and The brass center 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 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″)
Material: Front Tested Silver High Grade 92.5%
Back: Copper Cotton Cord: 46 cm (18″)

PRICE: USD $805.00
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VINTAGE TIBETAN GAU BOX NECKLACE
 Low Grade Silver, Filigree, Turquoise, Coral
Phenolic Resin Beads, 2 Excellent dZi Beads

Tibetan Women in Costume, Burang County (also known as Purang or Pulan) is located in the southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region

Tibetan low grade silver oblong ga’u amulet box ornamented with filigree work, silver beading and brass applied chased units worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube. The central field is covered in separately embossed or stamped filigree surrounding a stylized turquoise bezel “Open Lotus Flower”. The face of the box is further decorated with two red coral and turquoise stones. (Most likely none of these stones were the original stones in the Gau Box. The centre turquoise replacement stone has stringing holes in the ends and has signs of wear around these holes). The lower decoration is a stylised dorje ornament which hangs at the bottom when worn and a loop at the bottom from which hangs a burgundy tassel. The outer edge is decorated with individually stamped and applied petals of an open lotus and silver beaded wire. It is very hard to find oblong ga’u amulet boxes today that have the tube and stylised dorje ornament. Most are hinged on each side for wearing. The ga’u was used as a container for handwritten or printed charms and relics, and herbs. The backing plate is missing. The front section, side sheet, dorje and tube of the Gau Box has been tested and are made from a low grade silver, 50% approx. The Gau Box is strung with an array of beads measuring 61 cm (24″) long. These beads are part of a complete Himalayan style costume and is typical of many in its combination of real and imitation beads. All beads show signs of wear. All the Phenolic Resin Beads Beads on this necklace may look like natural Phenolic Resin Beads, but they are actually made of Phenol formaldehyde resin, one of the earliest commercial synthetic resins. This form of resin is tree plant based and was utilized by German bead makers to imitate Beads.)

2 x Large Honey Old Phenolic Resin Rondelle Trade Beads. These beads have a milky, swirl mix of opaque and translucent Old Phenolic Resin Beads. 2 x Large Rust Old Phenolic Resin Beads Barrel Trade Beads. 4 x Small Egg Yoke Yellow Old Phenolic Resin Beads Trade Beads, 4 x Brilliant cranberry colour coral glass beads, Rondelle Beads, produced in Nepal. 2 x Tibetan dZi Glass Beads – 2.8 cm. 2 x High Grade Silver Melon Beads 14 x Mixed Metal Alloy Silver Spacer Beads. 9 x Small turquoise chip spacer stones.

Gau Width: 12 cm (4 1/2″ )
Height: 13 cm (5 1/2″)
Bale: 12 mm (3/8″)
Beaded Necklace Length: 61 cm (24”)
Weight: 338 Grams (12 oz.)
Material: Gau Tested low grade silver 50 – 80% – with green silver tarnishing on front.

PRICE: USD $925.00
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU BOX NECKLACE
Tibetan Heirloom Turquoise, Translucent Tridacna Giant Clam Beads,
Eyed Bodhi Seed Beads, Rudraksha Seed Beads,
51cm (20″), 84 Grams

Tibetan Lady with Oval Shaped Gau Box Necklace, c. 1880’s

This is a beautifully ornamented with filigree work, silver beaded wire and turquoise cabochons Tibetan Ga’u box and the oval domed front is of low grade silver (80% approx.) dating from the early to late 19th century. Although worn in all areas of Tibet, the oval-shaped silver gau was particularly favored by women in the southern border areas of Tibet, in Sikkim and Bhutan. The front of the Gau is decorated with 17 turquoise cabochons inset in wax around a decorated silver bezels. (There are four turquoise stones missing). The Gau was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube, and is still in good condition. It is also reinforced with an extra wooden tube inside. The lower decoration on the Tibetan gau is a stylised dorje and a ring clip for attaching other ornaments. The necklace is strung with a stunning range of antique Tibetan heirloom beads measuring 51 cm (20″) long. The necklace is strung on plastic coated twisted wire and has a knotted join inside the tube threading – but is still very secure. I have detailed the join in listing photos No. 7 and 8 – to show the join and when in place it is not seen as it is inside the tube and silver bead.

10 x Heirloom Turquoise beads that are worn smooth from centuries of wearing on the body and ancient wear at both ends. 1 cm – 2 cm
3 x Antique Rudraksha Seed Beads – 9mm
16 x Old round silver over Lac Spacer Beads – 9mm
6 x Antique Eyed Bodhi Seed Beads – 12mm
2 x Silver granulated Spacer Beads
2 x Antique white, translucent Tridacna Giant Clam Beads – 12mm
2 x Small Jasper Bloodstone Nephrite Beads – 5mm
1 x Small Green Chalcedony Bead – 10mm
The copper back on the gau box is now missing.

Weight: Gau 36.7 Grams (1.295 oz.)
Total Weight of Gau and Necklace: 84 Grams (2.965 oz.)
Gau Width: 6 cm (2 1/4″ )
Height: 6,5 cm (2 1/2″)
Bale: 10 mm (3/8″)
Beaded Necklace Length: 51 cm (20”)
Material: Gau Tested low grade silver 50 – 80% – with green silver tarnishing on front.

PRICE: USD $895.00
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN GAU, HIMALAYAN GAU BOx
 Antique Chinese Carved Turquoise Shou Beads, High Grade Silver Chain
82 cm (32 Inches), 87 Grams

This is a beautifully etched Himalayan Gau box and the oval domed box dating from the early to mid 20th century.
Although worn in all areas of Ladakh and the Himalayas, the oval-shaped silver Gau was particularly favoured by women in the southern border areas of Nepal, Bhutan and Himalayas.
The front of the Gau is decorated with a central turquoise cabochon around a gilded decorated double Dorje. A double Dorje, or Vishvavajra, are two Dorjes connected to form a cross. A double Dorje represents the foundation of the physical world and is also associated with certain tantric deities.
The Himalayan Gau has high grade silver beads and two double Dorje silver beads. The high grade silver linked chain is quite long at 82cm (32 inches)
The old carved turquoise beads are just beautiful. The Shou beads (寿) are traditional Chinese beads hand-carved with the Chinese character for “longevity”
The Gau box does open all the way as detailed in the listing photo because of the way it has been strung on the necklace it will not open fully.
The Gau has a hand beaten mixed metal back.
The Gau box does not test for silver, but all the bead and the silver chain tested for high grade silver (92.5% approx).


Necklace Weight: Gau 87 Grams (3.06 oz.)
Gau Width: 6 cm (2 1/4″ )
Height: 6 cm (2 1/4″)
Necklace Length: 82 cm (32”)
Silver Beads and Chain: High Grade Silver
Turquoise Beads: Old carved turquoise beads
Gau Box: Mixed Metal Alloy

PTICE USD $895.00
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VINTAGE NEPAL GAU BOX
 Faux Turquoise, Faux Coral Glass Stones, Mixed Metal Chain
63cm (25″), 46.4 Grams 

 

KATHMANDUE VALLEY, NEPAL

This Gau Amulet Box is shaped as a bodhi or pipal leaf. The Bodhi Tree, also called the Bodhi Fig Tree or Bo Tree, is a large sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, Northern India. Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher who became known as the Buddha, is said to have attained enlightenment or Bodhi, circa 500 BCE under it.
The amulet box is designed to be worn from a chain around the neck.
This Nepalese Amulet Box is covered in faux turquoise and coral glass stones using the ‘jarao’ inlay technique, which combines the setting of stones in bezels with filigree wire decoration. This technique was popular amongst Newar metalworkers of the Kathmandu Valley during the 18th and 19th centuries. There is fine silver filigree work around the Treasure Vase.
The central design of the Gau Box Box, of high grade silver, is one of the 8 Auspicious Symbols from Buddhism – “THE TREASURE VASE”. The treasure vase symbolises an endless rain of long life, wealth and prosperity and all the benefits of this world and liberation. The flowing raised extensions from the vase represent the flowing sacred white scarf wrapped around the vase.
The back of the Gau with the double dorje symbol removes and fits very well.
This Gau Box is quite small in size. I have extensively cleaned this Nepalese Gau from when I received it to highlight the beautiful Newar craftsmanship.

Height: 7 cm (2 3/4″)
Width: 7 cm (2 3/4″)
Weight: 46.4 Grams (1.637 oz.)
Front of Box: High Grade Silver
Back of Box: Brass

PRICE:  USD $495.00
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN PENDANT, TIBETAN BELT ORNAMENT
High Grade Silver, Gold Gilt, Genuine Turquoise Stone, 69 Grams (2.435 oz.),
High Grade Silver Chain, 46cm (18″ adjustable to 20″)

Back View of Tibetan Women in Traditional Costume, Khan Province, Tibet

This is a beautiful old (most probably late 19th or early 20th century) Tibetan belt ornament from eastern Tibet as a pendant and is known as a “lochab”. It would have been a woman’s belt hanger decorated with tradition Tibetan motif for the jewel in repoussé, surrounding a central turquoise cabochon.
At the center top facing the bale is ornamented with the grotesque ‘monster mask’ of Kirtimukha (Glorious Face) of the Fierce Monster. The Tibetan Kirtimukha is represented as a demon with horned face which does not have a lower jaw and Kirtimukha’s hands with frilly cuffs hold the crest-bar in his mouth. The gems or a frieze of jewelled strings descends from Kirtimukha’s upper jaw.
This is a wonderful representation with very expressive with clear detail.
The pendant has been worked in silver repoussé with representations of “The Three Jewels”, a copper clip on the back securing the silver gilded center piece decorated once again with Tibetan jewel motif and a turquoise cabochon.
It has a very old worn patina with smooth edges. A small turquoise bead has been added to the belt stringing hole at some stage.
It is strung on a high grade silver chain with a “S” clasp for closing. It is 46cm (18″) and can extend to 51cm (20″)

Width: 6.5 cm (2 5/8″)
Height: 10 cm (4″)
Chain Length: 46 cm (18″) adjustable to 51cm (20″
Pendant Weight: 69 Grams (2.435 oz.)

PRICE: USD $895.00
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ANTIQUE  HIMALAYAN PENDANT, TIBET OR HIMACHAL PRADESH
55.6 Grams, High Grade Silver,Turquoise
46cm (18″),3mm, Silver Snake Chain,11 Grams

This is an antique (late 19th century or early 20th century) large silver traditional decorative Heirloom from the areas of Tibet, Nepal or Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, Woman’s cloak clasp or belt clasp. Women wear dark-colored wrap dresses over a blouse, and a colorfully striped, woven wool waist band.
The belt clasp resembles the front of a Tibetan or Himachal Pradesh woman’s Gau Box backed by two hooks that are fixed into the woolen belt or cloak and is a heavy, high grade silver 92.5% approx. with filigree work and nine genuine turquoise cabochon in a bezel setting, and a 46 cm (18″) high grade silver snake chain.
The outer perimeter is delineated with silver beaded wire, which serves to reinforce the form. This is followed by an outer row of very fine filigree endless knots, the second row a heavier chain of endless knots, surrounding a stylized lotus bud, symbol of purity and spiritual power, with a central turquoise. The lotus bud hangs upside down as the bottom bale is used for hanging.
All the round silver beads covering the joins are the Yin-Yang symbol (or contrary influences) and represent the belief that everything in the universe consists of two forces that are opposing but complementary.

Width: 9.5 cm (3 3/4″)
Height: 7.5 cm (3″)
Pendant Weight: 55.6 grams (1.96 oz.)
High Grade Silver Snake Chain: 3 mm, 46 cm (18″), 11 Grams
Tested: High Grade Silver

PRICE USD $850.00
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ANTIQUE TIBETAN PENDANT, TIBETAN HAIR BEAD ORNAMENT
MELONG PONGU
Turquoise, Coral, Mixed Metal Alloy, 83.6 Grams

This is a rather large, early to mid 20th century traditional mixed metal alloy, with very low silver content Tibetan Hair Bead ornament – Melong Pungu – pendant worn by married women.
The front is decorated with four turquoise stone cabochons and a central genuine red coral bead set in lac. There is very fine silver twisted wire beading and a circle of raised shot beads around the centre stone. There is a row of repousse lotus petals.
This Tibetan Hair Bead was very heavily tarnished when I acquired it and I have cleaned some of the surface tarnishing away.
The Tibetan Hair Bead is in very good condition and further tarnish can be cleaned away.
In the centre of the backing plate there is a as detailed in the listing photo, a bar for stringing. I have attached a black 56 cm (22″) handmade Indian cotton cord with a looped end for closing and the pendant hangs very well – it does not hang forward.

Tibetan Hair Bead Length: 8 cm (3″)
Tibetan Hair Bead Width: 8. cm (3″)
Tibetan Hair Bead Height: 2.cm (3/4″)
Weight: 83.6 grams (2.94 oz.)
Cotton Cord: 56 cm (22″)

PRICE: USD $595.00
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