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Tibetan Gau Reliquary Portable Altar Shrine Prayer Box

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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Chinese: Metalwork: Pre 1900: Item # 948178

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Petrie-Rogers Gallery
P.O. Box 65647
Tucson, AZ 85728
(520) 293-8355

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$350

Tibetan Gau Reliquary Portable Altar Shrine Prayer Box
Unusually large Tibetan copper and silver or silverplate mihrab form reliquary, or portable shrine box, decorated in repousse on the cover with a pattern of abstract scrolls. The back, sides, and side handles are copper. Also called a “gau,” these prayer boxes were used to hold protective amulets, personal deities, and written prayers. A strap or belt could be attached to the side handles when traveling. Otherwise, they were usually placed on the home altar. 9” high x 8” across at the handles x 3 ½” deep. Late 19th – early 20th century. Very good overall condition with good age patina. The copper back is dented inward at the top. This piece is from an old Tucson, Arizona estate.


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