The dragon, the Witch and the Wardrobe [digging for treasure part II]

I don’t know anything about Tibet. I know nothing of the history, nothing of the culture, zip zilch nadda. On my way back from the middle of nowhere on top a California mountain I encountered [not by chance] a little antique shop that was open for business last week. I parked the car and headed in. I had decided that unless the item spoke to me directly, I would not buy it. The trip had cost enough and there was no justification in purchasing crap! I found a cedar/copper mother of pearl inlaid box that would have made my tarot very happy. Still the price tag was high for the gem, and I decided to pass it by. Okay no luck! On my return route to the front door of the shop, a small glass case caught my eye. I starred at it for about 15 minutes. Pointing out the oooooh’s and ahhh’s to my cousin. The owner walked by and said you can see any piece you like in that box just open it, there is no lock. I was astounded. I pulled out 50 carat amethyst rings and 20 carat opal pendants. It was a small 3 tier glass case loaded with sparkly gems. In the back of the case on the bottom shmushed [yes that is a word!] was a bracelet. I pulled out this godly heavy piece that was silver. All I saw was intricate detail and carving. I had no idea what it was. As I held it in my hand the shopkeep kept talking. I didn’t hear a word she said. All I heard was that it was not a replica or vintage, it was quite new but it comes from tibet and was hand carved. What appeared to be a lions face to me is in actuality a dragons head, and mouth opened to hold 10+ carats of oval citrine gems at the bottom of it. The eyes were solid gold though giving extra detail. I had to have it and have not taken it off since. I thought it would set off the metal detectors at the airport. I was happy it did not lol. But this is it, and now I have a lot of research to do. I am pulled to asian culture but I do not know what my connection to it is. But Tibet? What is this and where did it come from? Truly gorgeous and now one of my favorite links to my past.

Namastae