Small "gau" altar with Buddha, Tibet, 19th century

Portable altar of embossed copper with a polychrome stone Buddha inside. It has a pointed shape, with handles and decorated on the front with reliefs. Below is a lotus base and around the frame the eight Buddhist auspicious symbols between entangled leaves. The interior contains ancient manuscripts with prayers in ink. 

Altar size: 12.80 x 3.80 x 11 cm; Buddha size: 10 x 7.80 cm. Total weight: 330 g

Provenance: Private collection, Glückstern family. Acquired before 1970.