GJPaw Auctions is pleased to offer an exquisite antique Gao or prayer box, from Tibet. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism make use of a type of prayer box known as a Gao (sometimes spelled "Gau" or "Ghau"). Gao boxes are portable shrines in which images of the owner’s personal deities are kept, together with other sacred objects. The Gau is culturally equivalent to Latin American “package amulets”, African-American “conjure bags” or “mojo hands”, South American “charm vials” and American “wish boxes”. Most Tibetans, monks in particular, use Gao at home or while traveling. The Gao opens to a concealed inner space, and are used to hold and carry sacred amulet objects such as images of deities or mantras (prayers), or as a reliquary. They can be simple or elaborate, with precious or semi-precious stones and are often decorated with auspicious symbols or mantras. At home, it is kept on an altar, and when traveling fastened to a belt. The gao is used within this tradition as an amulet - a ritualistic object believed to provide protection from evil. This very beautiful example is made of copper, and features an exquisite clay molded tsatsa depiction of a Buddhist deity. The box measures 1.5 inches in width by 0.75 inches in depth by 2 inches in height (3.81 cm by 1.90 cm by 5.08 cm).  Showing wear consistent with use, including rubbing and patina variations, the box is in generally very good condition, and probably dates to the mid or late 19th century. A superb collector’s item, it would make a fine addition to any collection of Tibetan art, Himalayan art or Buddhist art in general.

GJPaw Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at Primitive in Chicago.  Every object we sell online has been carefully hand-selected with special attention to detail, quality, and significance. We ship worldwide. Add GJPaw to Sellers you Follow and please take a moment to look at our other auction items.

A0310-620