Tibetan Silver Gau Amulet Box | Portable Shrine | 19th Century

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Tibet / Himalayan Region
Material: Silver repoussé (silvered copper alloy), iron/metal side hinges, original leather/fabric strap remnants
Period: 19th Century

Description
This traditional Tibetan gau (ghau) amulet box is crafted with repoussé silver panels and a hinged lid, designed to house small sacred relics, miniature scriptures, or protective charms. The front panel features raised scrolling motifs surrounding a central lozenge-shaped medallion, while the arched top is adorned with lotus-like ornamentation. The reverse side is plain, with fastening loops and remnants of a leather strap, indicating its original function as a wearable shrine for travel or pilgrimage.

Features

- Repoussé silver front with floral and symbolic motifs

- Hinged lid revealing a recessed chamber for relics or amulets

- Side lugs with surviving leather strap remnants

- Traditional arched “shrine” form with raised peak

- Portable design for devotional use during journeys

Cultural Significance
Tibetan gau shrines were carried by lay practitioners, monks, and pilgrims as personal protective amulets and miniature portable altars. They typically contained clay tsa-tsa tablets, miniature prayer scrolls, relics, or deity images, believed to safeguard the wearer and confer spiritual blessings. This portable devotional practice reflects the deeply personal and mobile nature of Himalayan Buddhist ritual life.

Condition
Good, with natural patina and age-related wear. Minor dents and surface tarnish are consistent with devotional use. Leather strap fragment present but worn. Hinges intact and functional.

Dimensions (approximate)
Height: 3.5 in
Width: 2.25 in
Depth: 0.75 in

Age
19th Century