Tibetan Woman’s Pouch or Purse (Baghu) with Gilded Silver Mounts & Turquoise

This leather pouch or purse (baghu) would have been worn by a Tibetan woman on her belt as a sign of wealth and prestige. It is one of the finest examples we have seen – it is almost entirely encrusted with silver and gilded silver plaques, all decorated in high relief with Himalayan Tibetan motifs such as snow lions, birds, a dragon, a kirtimukha mask and floral and leafy scrolls.

The front of the purse has a leather flap secured underneath with a small catch to hold the purse closed. There are even silver plaques beneath the front flap.

The middle of the flap has a large, protruding turquoise cabochon within a high, box setting.

A  loop and double-dragon mount is applied to the top of the purse to which a long leather strap has been attached.

The purse is in excellent condition with obvious age and wear.