Amulet case, silver gilt, Tibet, 19th century.

Amulet case (g'au) of silver gilt, decorated with filigree, and jewelled with turquoise and other semi-precious stones. It is set with a central red stone cut in relief with a standing tantric figure of eight-armed Avalokitesvara.

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

The shape of this woman's amulet box or 'ga'u' was most popular in Lhasa, where the artistocracy commissioned similar pieces set with precious stones. This is a less expensive piece perhaps made for a less wealthy family.

The use of a central stone cut in the form of a deity is more typical of Nepalese craftsmanship. It points to the work of a Nepalese craftsman probably working in Tibet for Tibetan patrons.

IM.170-1910