This leather pouch or purse (baghu) would have been worn by a Tibetan woman on her belt as a sign of wealth and prestige.
The front of the purse has a leather flap secured underneath with a small catch to hold the purse closed.
The front flap and lower sides are decorated with applied silver and gilded plaques, all finely worked with pierced floral and foliate scrolls in high relief.
The middle of the flap has a large, protruding coral cabochon within a floral, box setting.
The reverse is decorated with 18 silver domed studs.
A loop and mount is applied to the top of the purse to which a leather strap decorated with silver bands and two floral bosses is attached.
The purse is in excellent condition with obvious age and wear.
References
Berger, P., & T. Tse Bartholomew, Mongolia: The Legacy of Chinggis Khan, Thames & Hudson, 1995.
Borel, F., The Splendour of Ethnic Jewelry: From the Colette and Jean-Pierre Ghysels Collection, Thames & Hudson, 1994.
Geoffroy-Schneiter, B., Asian Jewellery: Ethnic Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Earrings, Belts, Head Ornaments, Skira, 2011.