Nepalese style Amulet Case, brass and copper-gilt, Central Tibet, late 19th century.

A square woman's amulet case or ga'u, used to contain rolled prayers and other holy or blessed objects that are believed to give protection from evil to the wearer.

Purchased from the dealer Mr Imre Schwaiger

This object was part of a collection of Indian and Tibetan art objects that was purchased in 1910 from Mr. Imre Schwaiger, a well-known London and Delhi based dealer. The whole collection was bought for £1000.
Imre Leonard Schwaiger was a well-respected dealer of gems, jewellery and eastern works of art. He was of Hungarian descent and, as a young man, he travelled to India where he became an expert in appraising them, later becoming the foremost dealer and agent in such objects.
He built up a list of important clients and he was friends with Jacques Cartier, looking after Cartier"s interests in Delhi and acting as the company"s agent in the purchase of gems, jewellery and objets d'art. Schwaiger was also responsible for introducing Cartier to all of the maharajas and other royals during his visit to India for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
Imre Schwaiger developed a close working relationship with both the Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum, assisting them with a number of acquisitions. He also generously donated a number of valuable objects to both institutions.

Purchased from the dealer Mr Imre Schwaiger, Kashmiri Gate, Delhi, and 25, Brook Street, London W. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1910- 3039M

This woman's amulet case or ga'u was used to hold rolled prayers and blessed or holy objects believed to protect the wearer from evil.

The front of this case is covered in filigree decoration and a coral carved in the form of a tantric deity. Newar (Nepali) craftsmen were well known for their skill in both of these techniques and the style of the amulet is typical for a Tibetan woman from Lhasa. This piece may have been made in Lhasa by a Newar metalworker. Such boxes were worn suspended on a strap or sash across the shoulder or around the waist when travelling.

IM.171-1910