A large square antique amulet gau box (ghau or ga'u) with dorje, made in the 1920s in the Himalayan regions, possibly Ladakh. It would have been worn by Buddhist people and would have contained personal devotions and prayers written on parchment. The box can still be opened and used for storing treasures and is supplied with the attached chain.

The amulet box is made of high-grade silver with applied motifs and intricate filigree decoration. At the centre is a raised turquoise cabochon surrounded by small individually bezel-set turquoise beads. The base of the box is brass. This is a beautiful item with a lovely aged patina and wear commensurate with age. Highly collectible.

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.