Ga'u – amulet box with Shri Devi and Buddha Shakyamuni
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 5
Display 10
ABS 107
Code: ABS 107
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1800 - 1900
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 7.1 x 11.6 x 3.7
Materials: Copper and silver
Ga'u, a reliquary with deity Shri Devi and Buddha Shakyamuni.
This reliquary or amulet shrine, called Ga'u, is worn on a shoulder strap and placed either under the arm or in front of the chest. This type of casket usually contains the consecrated miniature representation of a deity or master. These are made of clay and are sometimes coloured. Often, they are placed in front of an opening in the lid which is protected by a glass pane. More unusually, two figures are combined here: the tutelary deity Palden Lhamo riding her mule, and the historical Buddha Shakyamuni in a smaller recess above. Since the shrine serves both as a protection and a blessing bearer, it may contain medicinal or consecrated substances. The surface is made of copper and silver, and is decorated with engraved mountain and plant motifs, into which some turquoises and corals have been embedded.
This reliquary or amulet shrine, called Ga'u, is worn on a shoulder strap and placed either under the arm or in front of the chest. This type of casket usually contains the consecrated miniature representation of a deity or master. These are made of clay and are sometimes coloured. Often, they are placed in front of an opening in the lid which is protected by a glass pane. More unusually, two figures are combined here: the tutelary deity Palden Lhamo riding her mule, and the historical Buddha Shakyamuni in a smaller recess above. Since the shrine serves both as a protection and a blessing bearer, it may contain medicinal or consecrated substances. The surface is made of copper and silver, and is decorated with engraved mountain and plant motifs, into which some turquoises and corals have been embedded.