Lot 46

Tibetan Brass & Turquoise Gau Prayer Box Pendant

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Tibetan Brass & Turquoise Gau Prayer Box Pendant

Estimate: $1,250 - $1,800

Starting Bid: $750

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

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%

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

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#197514

  • 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.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000