Lot 170b, Auction 4/20/2026: Tibetan Brass & Turquoise Gau Prayer Box Pendant

$585.00

In stock

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th to mid-20th century CE. A pendant container known as a gau or prayer box, crafted from brass with turquoise stone inlays and silver-brass filigree wires spiraling outward from rosette-arranged bezels like vine tendrils. This example represents half of a square box, likely the ornate lid that once fit over a plainer body, with a tubular suspension fitting on one side for wearing. Gau boxes functioned as amulets and protective talismans, intended to hold paper prayers, mantras, sacred images, miniature Buddha figures, or medicine. Such amulet lockets have been used in Tibet for centuries and were highly valued for their protective and spiritual power. Size: 4″ L x 0.75″ W x 4″ H (10.2 cm x 1.9 cm x 10.2 cm); silver quality: 16%

Condition: Missing box insert, this is the lid only. Dark patina and toning to metal, and areas of white oxidation. Stones have nicks and cracks and are held in place with red wax/resin. Indentations and abrasions to metal. Overall good used condition.

Provenance: ex-P.T. collection, Queens, New York, USA

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 purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.