A gau (also spelled Ghau or Gao) is a type of traditional Tibetan Buddhist small box, locket or frame that is used as a portable reliquary, often so small that it can be worn as personal jewelry.
A gau usually holds the image of a personal beloved deity, in the form of a picture or small figurine. To this image all kinds of other sacred objects and blessed items can be added, such as fragments of prayer scarves and mantra scrolls, charms and relics. When worn as personal jewelry, the gau is often worn very close to the heart, where it serves as a daily source of protection and blessing.
This gau is probably not meant to be worn as a piece of jewelry, but rather as a portable altar. It holds a small figurine of a Buddha inside (most likely Shakyamuni Buddha) and also a piece of fabric can be seen, of which the origin unfortunately is unknown to us, but which of course must have had some sacred meaning for its previous owner, maybe as a relic or piece of blessed cloth.
The gau has been nicely decorated with Tibetan silver, with depictions of Cheppu and the Tibetan Buddhist Eight Auspicious Symbols.
Sizes; the gau is approximately 9 centimeters high, 7 centimeters wide and 3,5 centimeters deep. Weight is 89 grams. It hangs on a cotton fabric strap. At the backside a cotton cord with an export seal from the Nepalese Bureau of Cultural Relics has been attached, indicating the authenticity and heritage of this item. Both the gau and the cotton fabric strap are covered with burgundy red brocade.
This gau is from vintage origin. Please look closely at the pictures to observe the condition. It has some damages and imperfections, most noteable of which is that on one of the sides the clasp (and probably also a brass bead, similar to the one on the other side) have gone missing.
Only one available.
