This is a fine example of a Tibetan portable Gau Shrine collected from Tawang Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh, India. It's about 70 years old. It's a handmade antique Gau box, the front is hand-carved in the shape of eight Buddhist treasures - ashtamangala,a snow lion in the bottom,Guru Padmasambhava is enshrined inside it.
decorated with such fine silverwork.
It comprises a high-grade silver front overlay decorated in repousse and exquisitely chased floral and leaf scrollwork that is typical of Eastern Tibet.
The inner space can be filling zung, consecration, holy rilbus, or your own holy relic. On the outside is a hand-sewn bag that acts as a protective cover,
strap length of about 50cm.
The sides and backing plate are of copper and the backing plate has been gilded. Two pairs of applied copper lugs are on each side to hold a belt or strap that is fastened to a belt and worn when the owner travels.
This antique Ghau is made from brass/copper alloy with a silvered metal repousse front. Inside a meditating Buddha is held in place with a mantra-covered fabric.
The whole box fits within an attractive fabric carrying case with a strap.
The Tibetan Ghau, (prayer box) was used to carry sacred relics, magical charms, and medicinal herbs, and acted as portable shrines used for protection when traveling.
This Tibetan Gau Portable Shrine can be worn hanging from the neck or from a waist sash or belt. These Tibetan Gau Portable Shrine are crafted by a small group of Tibetan Refuge artisans currently living in Nepal.
