08/06/2021
One of our favourite novels is “Seven years in Tibet: My Life Before, During and After” by Heinrich Harrer. Most people may have heard of the movie instead, which is probably more popular (Brad Pitt looks good! Although his accent is a point of contention haha), but the book is truly something not to be missed! It is a delightful read that delves in on a personal level, sprinkled with deadpan humor, yet heavy in parts.
At the end of the book, Mr. Harrer offers a few charming tips in surviving the Himalayas, one of which was to always carry along a bottle of whiskey. We don’t have whiskey, but we sure have Maotai! We think that would work just as well!
Heinrich Harrer’s rich experience and journey, from mountain climbing, meeting the Holiness Dalai Lama, to developing a lifelong friendship with the spiritual leader, undoubtedly contributed to his accumulation of precious Tibetan treasures. Most of his pieces are now housed in the Heinrich Harrer Museum in Austria.
Accompanying this book here, we have shared a gilded silver gau from our private collection. Gaus are traditional Tibetan prayer boxes, often worn around the neck like jewellery, and would contain sacred relics, images, mantras or statues.
Embellished on the surface of this gau is the repoussé images of the eight wonderful Buddhism treasures, nestled within a rich grove of whirling vines. The handsome face of a Zipak graces the bottom, a beloved symbol of protection. The wonderful arching silhouette of this gau heightens its beauty, and from the small window on the front, most likely held a small statue.
Do you have a favourite book or movie about Tibet?
