A magnificent vintage silver double gau (ghau or ga'u) prayer box amulet, handcrafted by the Newar people of Nepal in the 1960s. it would have been worn by Buddhist people around the neck, close to the heart. Inside, it would have contained sacred mantras, personal devotions and relics. It also served as a protective amulet, warding off any negative forces and bringing blessings to the wearer.

This beautiful box is extremely ornate, opening on both sides, both at the top and at the bottom, to reveal two compartments adorned with gems. Both sides of the box display the Buddhist deity, Manjushri, intricately crafted in carved coral with turquoise and silver work. When opened, both insides of the box display another equally ornate figure, possibly Tara, the motherly goddess of compassion. All images are surrounded by floral decoration with turquoise and coral beads and fine silver filigree work. Further incised decoration adorns the inside lid on both sides of the box and an elaborate dorje adorns the top of the gau enabling it to be strung around the neck. It appears that this gau was used in a religious ritual, possibly a blessing, as it has a reddish brown coating in places likely to be from the use of geru.

This is an amazing piece, so expertly crafted and still in very good vintage condition. A highly collectible item for the discerning collector.

Iconography: Manjushri is one of the oldest and most significant Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. He bears the flaming sword in his right hand and religious text supported by a lotus flower in his left, representing Manjushri as the embodiment of transcendent wisdom. The dorje at the top of the gau symbolises indestructability and irresistible force.

References:

Giehmann, M., Pommaret, F. and Creutz, C. (2019) Himalayan treasures: Adornments from Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh & Arunachal Pradesh: The Manfred Giehman Collection. Singapore: Produced by Manfred Giehmann & J.C. Le Cardinal.