Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine gilt-brass prayer box elaborately jeweled with a carved multi-piece turquoise Buddha, with four natural ruby cabochons set in the corners, and a pink and green faceted glass border. The exterior border is comprised of thirty-six cut turquoise stones, each surrounded by a stippled border. The lid is fastened on a barrel-shaped hinge which opens to reveal a striking depiction of Buddha composed of carved coral fragments. Set with four coral stones in the corners and a similar cut turquoise border as that surrounding the lid, this is an exceptional example of Tibetan prayer boxes! Size: 2.5" W x 3.375" H (6.4 cm x 8.6 cm).

Buddhists all over the world use a prayer box known as a "ghau," designed to conceal a hidden space in which the owner may place sacred mantras, pictures of the Buddha or other deities, sacred relics, or herbs. Many are worn on a cord around the neck and are smaller than this early example.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA; ex-Bill Freeman estate collection, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA and New Mexico, USA, acquired 1960s to 1980s

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#133109

Age-commensurate surface wear, light tarnishing to brass surfaces, minor clouding to jewels and glass elements, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory sticker on verso.