A CORAL AND TURQUOISE INLAID PARCEL-GILT SILVER AMULET BOX, GAU, HIMALAYAN REGION, 19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A CORAL AND TURQUOISE INLAID PARCEL-GILT SILVER AMULET BOX, GAU, HIMALAYAN REGION, 19TH CENTURY Finely worked, of rectangular form, the front arranged in concentric bands of beaded, ribbed, and finely filigreed ornament, the inner panel centered by an elaborate parcel-gilt medallion set with a teardrop form coral cabochon and surrounded by turquoise inlays. The four corners of the outer frame are further inset with turquoise, while the upper edge is fitted with a ribbed hinge, the bottom with a similar clasp terminating in faceted finials that opens to reveal the consecratory assemblage comprising printed devotional images, including seated Buddhist figures with Tibetan inscriptions, together with a further folded ritual deposit bound with colored threads. The ensemble is suspended from a textile strap. Dimensions: Height 13.5 cm This type of amulet box or gau is used to contain blessed or holy items, believed to protect the wearer from evil. The decorativeness of the box’s upper surface suggests that it was worn by a woman, as women tended to wear more ornamental amulet boxes than men. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related parcel-gilded and turquoise inlaid silver and bronze amulet-case, Sikkim, dated to the 19th century, 11.2 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number 1933,0508.4.

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