Gau, travel altar; Tibet, China, 20th century.

Gau, traveling altar; Tibet, China, 20th century.
Embossed copper.
It has stains.
Preserves cloth cover.
Measurements: 12,5 x 22 x 3,5 cm.
Gau or Tibetan reliquary in chiseled copper and decorated with floral corollas worked in relief, forming an intricate ornament characteristic of these amulets. It houses in its interior a Bodditsatvua. The figure is protected by a crystal. It has the shape of a box with a pointed arch top. Gaus are used to contain sacred relics, talismans, mantras printed on paper or parchment, or small statues of deities. It is believed that wearing a Gau close to the body provides spiritual protection.