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 holds the image of Shakyamuni Buddha, often called the 'original' Buddha; a very important and highly revered spiritual leader in 5ht and 4th century BCE in Nepal and India (known by life as prince Siddharta Gautama), whose teachings would become the foundation of Buddhism.
Buddha sits in his famous pose on a lotus throne; legs crossed in vajra position (lotus position) with his right arm extended across the knee in bhumisparsha mudra (earth connection gesture). His left hand holds a begging-bowl, which symbolizes his teachings on humility and non-attachment on the one hand and, a necessary assumption with that, the reliance on the goodwill and generosity of others on the other hand.
This gau has been made of nicely decorated Tibetan silver, with a small garnet-red stone inlay at the front. The backside is stamped with the symbol of the double dorje.
Sizes; approximately 42 millimeters high (measured without the eyelet) en 31 millimeters wide. Weight is 42 grams. From vintage origin, but in good and wearable condition.
Only one available.
