Tibetan Woman’s Pouch or Purse (Baghu) with Silver & Brass Mounts, & Coral

This leather pouch or purse (baghu) would have been worn by a Tibetan woman on her belt as a sign of wealth and prestige.

The front of the purse has a leather flap secured underneath with a small catch to hold the purse closed.

The front flap and lower sides are decorated with applied silver and brass plaques, all finely worked with floral and foliate scrolls in high relief.

The middle of the flap has a large, protruding natural coral cabochon within a floral, box setting. Plaques representing birds are attached either side.

The reverse is decorated with more applied silver and brass plaques all beautifully worked in relief with Himalayan scrollwork. The sides are decorated with long brass and silver plaques each similarly worked.

That the reverse and sides have been richly ornamented rather than having been left plain as with other examples shows that this item was a particularly refined piece intended for a wealthy client.

A silver loop and brass mount is applied to the top of the purse.

The purse is in excellent condition with obvious age and wear.