Enquiry about object: 5808
Large Silver Ga’u Box set with Turquoise & Coral
Eastern Tibet, probably Labrang area early 20th century
length: 15cm, height: 15.3cm, thickness: 2.8cm, weight: 254g
Provenance
UK art market
This large Tibetan ga’u or amulet box is made of hammered silver sheet, including the backing plate. It would have been worn by either a man or a women.
It is of stylised dorje (thunderbolt) form and is decorated with applied silver filigree, pearled silver wire, and applied chased plaques. A large turquoise cabochon is at the ecentre, in a box setting. The face of the box is further decorated with coral and turquoise cabochons.
The ga’u was worn suspended from the top gadrooned tube. A stylised dorje ornament decorates the other end which will be at the bottom of the ga’u if worn correctly.
The sides of the box, like the backing plate, are of plain, hammered silver.
A related box is in the Newark Museum and illustrated in Reynolds (1999, p. 76) and in Proser (2010, p. 122).
Such boxes were worn suspended from the neck as talismanic, protective devices. They held scripture and other auspicious items.
The example here is in fine condition.
References
Proser, A., (ed.), Pilgrimage and Buddhist Art, Asia Society Museum/Yale University Press, 2010.
Reynolds, V. et al, From the Sacred Realm: Treasures of Tibetan Art from the Newark Museum, Prestel, 1999.
