ABS 191
Code: ABS 191
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1700 - 1800
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 8.2 x 12.9 x 4.8
Materials: Gilt copper
Ga'u – amulet box with Jambhala (ABS 190)
A ga'u is an amulet box usually hosting a small statue representing a Buddhist deity or a miniature painting (tsaklil), and containing relics –such as bone fragments, hair, or pieces of clothing of deceased teachers– or consecrated substances. The portable ga'u are worn with a fabric or leather strap over the shoulder so that they may hang on the side, or around the neck in front of the chest. Worn close to the body, sometimes tied in the hair, such a container serves as a protecting amulet. A ga'u can normally be closed with a lid like a box and is embellished with gems like corals, turquoise or pearls. Larger specimens are rectangular, while the smaller ones are square, polygonal or round.
This amulet box shelters the statue of the god of wealth Jambhala under his yellow aspect (ABS 190). Made of gilded copper inset with turquoises and corals, its front part represents a lotus pedestal supporting a mandorle composed of seven stylized jewels in vegetal scrolls, a pattern in harmony with the god of wealth.
A ga'u is an amulet box usually hosting a small statue representing a Buddhist deity or a miniature painting (tsaklil), and containing relics –such as bone fragments, hair, or pieces of clothing of deceased teachers– or consecrated substances. The portable ga'u are worn with a fabric or leather strap over the shoulder so that they may hang on the side, or around the neck in front of the chest. Worn close to the body, sometimes tied in the hair, such a container serves as a protecting amulet. A ga'u can normally be closed with a lid like a box and is embellished with gems like corals, turquoise or pearls. Larger specimens are rectangular, while the smaller ones are square, polygonal or round.
This amulet box shelters the statue of the god of wealth Jambhala under his yellow aspect (ABS 190). Made of gilded copper inset with turquoises and corals, its front part represents a lotus pedestal supporting a mandorle composed of seven stylized jewels in vegetal scrolls, a pattern in harmony with the god of wealth.