Round Tibetan Traveling Shrine With Twin Dragons, C. 1900

Details

Description

Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred … Read more Tibetan traveling shrines, known as Gau, were believed to offer protective powers and were used to hold and carry sacred objects during long journeys. Crafted over a century ago, a Buddhist follower may have purchased this intricate gau while on religious pilgrimage to a temple or holy site. Rich with symbolism and artistry, the shrine has been elevated on a custom steel mount to live on as a storied sculptural object.

The face of the shrine is repoussé silver alloy, patterned in low relief with cloud-like scrollwork and Buddhist motifs. At the top is the cintamani, or wish-fulfilling jewel, shown here as a cluster of flaming pearls. At the bottom is the kirtimukha, or ‘face of glory,’ a powerful demon believed to be a fearsome guardian of thresholds and sacred spaces.

Two sinuous dragons wind their way along the sides, racing in pursuit of the wish-fulfilling jewel. The most auspicious of all mythical creatures, this motif of two dragons represents the pursuit of knowledge, power and potential. These intricate designs surround a central glass panel displaying a petite polychromed figure of a seated Buddha in meditation.

Additional Dimensions:
Shrine: 4.5"W x 1.75"D x 4"H
Base of Mount: 3"W x 2.5"D See less