Tibetan Copper Gau Traveling Shrine Box
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Southeast Asian:
Metalwork:
Pre 1900 item# 297052 (stock# 6-182)
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$295
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This portable charm box, in the shape of a shrine which holds the image of a deity or Buddhist amulet, is made of copper and decorated with beautiful repoussé work. Tibet, 19th century. The front of the ornamental box is decorated with the eight auspicious symbols identified in the Buddhist faith and the monster mask of Kirtimukha. The plain copper backing is removable to accommodate the items that the owner chooses to place inside, and there are two copper loops on each side to hold a belt or strap. There is a small piece of glass for the shrine window, which is crudely cut and appears to be of later origin. Charm boxes or gau are a mainstay of Tibetan culture, and they are worn by Buddhist peoples living in other central Asian countries as well. Traditionally, these portable shrines were made to contain a small image of the owner’s personal deity when traveling. They can also contain written prayers, miniature paintings, relics or other special amulets that are designed to protect the individual from evil spirits. In a Tibetan home a gau is kept on an altar, but it is fastened to a belt and worn when the owner travels. (See the wonderful cover article in ARTS OF ASIA May-June 2001 entitled “Ga’u: The Tibetan Amulet Box” by John Clarke.) Condition is excellent considering its age and usage. Dimensions: 4 ¼” high, 3 1/8” wide, 1 ½” deep.
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Early Tibetan Gau Traveling Shrine Box & Cover
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Asian:
Southeast Asian:
Metalwork:
Pre 1837 VR item# 330879 (stock# 6-183)
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click for details
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B & C ANTIQUES
203-929-7312
$650
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This fine repousse silver and copper portable shrine box in mihrab form with a central deity figure set behind glass in the prayer niche is encased in its original brocade cover. Tibet, early 19th century. The front of the ornamental box is richly decorated with auspicious symbols of the Buddhist faith and the monster mask of Kirtimukha in high relief repousse silver work. The plain copper backing is removable to accommodate the items that the owner chose to place inside, which in this case is a Buddhist amulet and a stuffed silk bag with religious symbols. There are two copper loops on each side which hold the original fabric strap. The purple and gold quilted silk brocade cover with dark green lining was made specifically for this shrine. It is hand stitched and closes with a round brass bead. Charm boxes or gau are a mainstay of Tibetan culture, and they are worn by Buddhist peoples living in other central Asian countries as well. Traditionally, these portable shrines were made to contain a small image of the owner’s personal deity when traveling. They can also contain written prayers, miniature paintings, relics or other special amulets that are designed to protect the individual from evil spirits. In a Tibetan home a gau is kept on an altar, but it is fastened to a belt and worn when the owner travels. (See the wonderful cover article in ARTS OF ASIA May-June 2001 entitled “Ga’u: The Tibetan Amulet Box” by John Clarke.) It is quite unusual to find these shrines encased in their original brocade covers, and this is a fine and complete early example of a Tibetan devotional object. Condition is excellent and extremely well preserved. Dimensions: 5” x 4” x 3 ¾” high.
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