Silver, copper, brass
Tibet, 19th century
Each with an image of Buddha
Finely chased decorations with symbols of good fortune on the front
Mountings on the side
Partly with original contents and inscription on the back
Measurements (smaller Gau): 11.5 x 9 x 4 cm (height x width x depth)
Measurements (larger Gau): 17 x 11.5 x 6.5 cm (height x width x depth)
Good condition
Provenance: from an important private collection in Austria

These two Tibetan amulet boxes, called ga’u, each consist of a richly decorated silver front and a copper back. A window-like opening reveals a devotional image of Buddha, a Tibetan so called Gzagil. The detailed front is finely decorated with Buddhist symbols of good fortune, such as lotus flowers – the symbol of purity – the eternal knot and the shankha or conch. Also seen are the two goldfish, symbolizing fearlessness of drowning in the Ocean of Suffering, as well as the banner of victory and the treasure vase, representing longevity, wealth, prosperity and wisdom. Both shrines are curved upwards and the smaller box shows an inscription on the back. These prayer boxes are used to store personal amulets and other objects. The smaller Gau has not been opened and is filled with its original contents, which is very rare.

The two Gau amulet boxes are in good condition with common traces of age and wear, such as small dents and scratches. The Buddha images are in part considerably abraded. The larger Gau measures 17 cm in height, 11.5 cm in width and 6.5 cm in depth; the smaller Gau measures 11.5 cm in height, 9 cm in width and 4 cm in depth.

Tibetan Gaus
Tibetan Gaus, portable amulet containers or prayer boxes, are mostly made from metal. They can be worn with a chain around the neck or attached to a hair slide. Gaus usually consist of two parts: the front is made of copper or silver or gold plating, often with finely chased decorations and sometimes with set with gemstones. Images of Buddha, Buddhist symbols of good fortune and other deities are often seen. Larger Gaus often have a window-like opening in the centre and have an arched shape in the upper area. The back is often made from copper and sometimes shows fine engravings, symbols or inscriptions.

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