Tibetan Gau with Turquoise

Description

A fine example of a Tibetan Gau or prayer box in silver with an original copper back. Used by people all over the himalayan regions as a means to carry sacred objects such as text, prayer flags, ritual objects and relics, they are a distinct ingredient of the traditional tibetan costume.

Elegantly shaped and beautifully worked with silver filigree and original turquoise in to a central floral motif, this classic piece also comes complete with its original copper back engraved with the tibetan mantra’Om Mani Padme Hum’. Tibetan people often make a point of using two or more metals in one piece as they attribute different healing properties to each material. The stringing hole is also copper lined and would have traditionally have been worn long on a necklace strung with large coral beads, turquoise, amber, pearls and often incorporating Dzi stones, the tibetan gem par excellence. All the ingredients would be ‘heirloomed’ over many generations and create not only a striking piece of jewellery, but also a store of the persons wealth and a connection with the ancestors.

This particular Gau had been gifted to a monastery by a rich family some years ago. When a monastery has collected enough valuable items it is common practise for them to sell the items to local dealers to raise money for repairs, new statues or any other major expenses. This is how we at Tribal Routes had the good fortune to gain possession of this wonderful item.

Hight: 75mm
Width: 82mm
Weight: 61.5g