Early 20th C. Tibetan Gilt Silver Gau / Prayer Box

**Originally Listed At $400**

Central Asia, Tibet, early 20th century CE. A beautiful gilt silver gau or prayer box used as a personal shrine for traveling practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism. The back of the gau can be removed and filled with petite statues of deities, tsa tsas, and holy items; its central window is perhaps intended for displaying a central plaque or figure. The front panel is elaborately decorated with raised clouds and flowering vines, as well as eleven heavily gilded (42% gold, equivalent to 10K+) copper adornments, including ten gilded appliques that include several Buddhist auspicious symbols (lotus flowers, parasols, endless knot or mandala, pair of golden fish, conch shell, parasol, victory banner, and treasure vase) and a central gilded window surround of floral, cloud, botanical, and symbolic motifs. Precious metal quality: side panels 90.5% silver; face plate: 95.5% silver, 3.4% gold; gilt copper appliques: 42% gold (equivalent to 10K+) Size: 2.875" L x 6.5" W x 7.5" H (7.3 cm x 16.5 cm x 19 cm); 9" H (22.9 cm) on included custom stand.

There are also three tabs on the interior, surrounding the central opening, that were probably intended to secure a plaque or figure. The profile panels are engraved with flowering, leafy vines. In addition two generous loops rise from each side of the gau for attachment or suspension, and the piece is set on a wooden pedestal for display. Gau like this example were typically worn as an ornament during festivals and kept in a prayer niche in a family home when not in use. A stupendous example of fine Tibetan religious artistry!

Provenance: private Evergreen, Colorado, collection, USA; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA, collection; acquired 1960 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#163057
Condition Report: Box and heavily gilded copper appliques are intact and very nice. Expected age wear with slight waviness and indentations. Silver and gilt silver elements have developed a warm patina. Box opens and closes easily. Turquoise bead-like pieces held inside the gau. Orange felt on underside of wooden base to prevent sliding. Minor scuffs to wooden base. Gau is attached to base.