Box - Copper - Ghau - Tibet - 19th c.
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A Tibetan portable reliquary called a Ghau, made of copper with a silvered brass façade, dating to the late 19th century, measuring 11 × 9 × 4 cm.
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Description from the seller
Ghau
Late 19th century
Tibet
Copper, brass and silvered metal
Dimensions: 11 × 9 × 4 cm
Portable Tibetan reliquary called Ghau or Ga'u, dating from the late 19th century, made of copper and enriched with a silvered metal and brass front, finely worked in repoussé and chased metal.
Architecturally shaped, the reliquary presents a silhouette evocative of the niches of Tibetan Buddhist shrines, with a poly-lobed crown ending in a point. Its façade, particularly elaborate, is organized around a central opening intended to receive and display a sacred image, a small divine representation or devotional elements.
The surround is entirely covered with a rich relief decoration combining scrolling vegetal motifs, stylized lotus flowers, auspicious interlaces and zoomorphic figures. Several motifs seem to evoke the protective creatures of the Tibetan iconographic repertoire, notably the kirtimukha, a glory-mask with an apotropaic function, visible in the lower part of the composition.
The whole is accented by delicate beaded borders that structure the different decorative registers and emphasize the object's precious character. A small pierced balustrade, adorned with repetitive motifs, delineates the lower part of the central niche. The body of the reliquary, made from shaped and assembled copper sheets, shows a deep brown-red patina with orange-toned and dark nuances, testifying to its age and use. The sides retain protruding metal elements corresponding to the mounting systems. The back, removable, follows the architectural shape of the whole and allows access to the interior cavity.
In the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, ghau occupy an important place among objects of personal devotion. Worn on the body, hung or kept in prayer spaces, they constitute true miniature sanctuaries, intended to protect their owner and maintain a spiritual connection with Buddhist teachings.
Conservation status:
Good overall condition for an object of this antiquity. Surface wear, oxidations, irregularities and traces of old handling. The removable back shows pronounced patina as well as deformations and alterations compatible with long-term use. Interior cavity currently empty.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateGhau
Late 19th century
Tibet
Copper, brass and silvered metal
Dimensions: 11 × 9 × 4 cm
Portable Tibetan reliquary called Ghau or Ga'u, dating from the late 19th century, made of copper and enriched with a silvered metal and brass front, finely worked in repoussé and chased metal.
Architecturally shaped, the reliquary presents a silhouette evocative of the niches of Tibetan Buddhist shrines, with a poly-lobed crown ending in a point. Its façade, particularly elaborate, is organized around a central opening intended to receive and display a sacred image, a small divine representation or devotional elements.
The surround is entirely covered with a rich relief decoration combining scrolling vegetal motifs, stylized lotus flowers, auspicious interlaces and zoomorphic figures. Several motifs seem to evoke the protective creatures of the Tibetan iconographic repertoire, notably the kirtimukha, a glory-mask with an apotropaic function, visible in the lower part of the composition.
The whole is accented by delicate beaded borders that structure the different decorative registers and emphasize the object's precious character. A small pierced balustrade, adorned with repetitive motifs, delineates the lower part of the central niche. The body of the reliquary, made from shaped and assembled copper sheets, shows a deep brown-red patina with orange-toned and dark nuances, testifying to its age and use. The sides retain protruding metal elements corresponding to the mounting systems. The back, removable, follows the architectural shape of the whole and allows access to the interior cavity.
In the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, ghau occupy an important place among objects of personal devotion. Worn on the body, hung or kept in prayer spaces, they constitute true miniature sanctuaries, intended to protect their owner and maintain a spiritual connection with Buddhist teachings.
Conservation status:
Good overall condition for an object of this antiquity. Surface wear, oxidations, irregularities and traces of old handling. The removable back shows pronounced patina as well as deformations and alterations compatible with long-term use. Interior cavity currently empty.
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Sent with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
Ghau - Tibet - 19th c.
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
China
Material
Copper
Dynastic style/period
19th c.
Provenance
Private collection
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
11 cm
Sold with stand
No
Width
9 cm
Depth
4 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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