An antique traditional Tibetan Gau prayer box, made in the late 19^th century. This type of Gau (also spelled Ga'u, Ghau or Gao) is usually worn around the neck by Tibetan women as a protective amulet and often contains within written prayers on parchment and pictures of deity as well as other items of personal devotion. Over centuries it has been considered a very precious and sacred item, therefore always worn close to the heart.

The front part of this oval prayer box is made of high-grade silver with beautiful decorative repoussé motifs and chasing. The back is made from hammered copper sheeting. Adorning the Gau at the centre is a beautiful turquoise cabochon. At the base of the container is a stylised dorje (thunderbolt) symbolising spiritual energy. The two halves of the Gau fit together and are tied with the accompanying leather cord.

This really is a stunning item, highly collectible and in very good condition for its age.

Reference:

cf. Stokmans, M.E. (2008) Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and Pacific Islands: The René Van der Star Collection ; published on the occasion of the exhibition of the ethnic jewellery collection of René van der Star in the Rotterdam Kunsthal, the Netherlands. Amsterdam: Pepin. P174