A Gold Charm Box, Gau

TIBET, 19TH CENTURY

Details

A Gold Charm Box, Gau
Tibet, 19th Century
Of ruyi-shaped outline with an image of Tara flanked by two makaras inset with turquoise and lapis lazuli, opening to the interior with an image of Avalokiteshvara flanked by lotus buds on a ground of gold filigree, incised with a mantra on the inside cover and studded with turquoise on the exterior rim
2.3/8 in. (6 cm.) high

Lot Essay

Portable charms or amulets are popular religious objects, of which this is an exceptionally fine example. Mostly worn on a necklace by women, they could also be worn by men particularly for protection on journeys. Images of Tara are appropriate, as she is thought to work quickly against misfortune and disease, cf. W. Zwalf, Heritage of Tibet, 1981, p. 122f.

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