Early 20th Century Tibetan Silver Alloy & Lapis Lazuli Gau Amulet Box Necklace

Details

Description

An early 20th-century Tibetan gau amulet box necklace crafted in silver alloy and richly accented with deep blue lapis lazuli.

… Read more An early 20th-century Tibetan gau amulet box necklace crafted in silver alloy and richly accented with deep blue lapis lazuli.

Traditionally worn as portable shrines or protective amulets, Tibetan gau (also spelled ga'u or ghau) were hollow containers made to hold prayers, sacred images, relics, or other protective objects. This example retains its hollow box construction, visible from the reverse. The back does not presently open, and no attempt has been made to force or disturb the closure.

The silver-alloy gau is ornamented with lapis lazuli and suspended from a coordinating necklace of decorative silver-alloy discs interspersed with additional lapis elements. Small lapis drops suspended from the bottom of the amulet add movement and extend the overall pendant drop.

The necklace measures approximately 20" long and closes with a simple hook clasp. The pendant measures approximately 32 mm wide x 52 mm high, including the hanging lapis drops, and approximately 5 mm deep.

The silver alloy has developed an attractive age-related patina, with wear consistent with the necklace's age and use. The piece has not been polished, preserving its existing surface and character.

A distinctive example of Tibetan devotional jewelry that functions equally well as a wearable necklace and as a collectible example of Himalayan material culture. See less