Antique Tibetan Ghau/Gau Turquoise, Silver, Copper Amulet Box & Chain

Encrusted with blue and green turquoise, silver ornamentation on the front, filigree on the sides, and a copper casing behind, this Tibetan ghau, or gau (ga’u), box in the double square shape of a mandala is believed to date back to the 19th century. 
 
There are suspension tubes on the top and bottom, allowing a chain to pass through. On the sides are a longer tube (left) and a metal two diamond shaped headed object (right) which we believe represents a Vajra, or Dorje, a ritual tool symbolizing the indestructible nature of enlightenment, the power to overcome ignorance and illusion, and the ability to shatter obstacles on the path to spiritual liberation in Tibetan Buddhism.
 
The box itself appears to be copper, with some kind of glaze or glue applied to the back of the front / the back of the box. The box still fits snugly in place.
 
The attached chain is brass or bronze.
 
Traditionally, women wore gau around their necks, the pendant close to their hearts, but they can also be placed in the home. Inside the box may be Lama-blessed prescription amulets and medicine to heal or prevent disease, as well as mantras, pictures, and small Buddha statues.
 
The piece is in vintage condition, presented unpolished although we did see some online polished and cleaned up. We believe the patina lends much to the aura of the piece. There appears to be some bending of the left side silver edge as shown in photos. There are also one or two turquoise stones missing in the upper right corner as shown in the photos. Such is impermanence! 
 
We believe our mother Nancy S Chandler collected this while living in Nepal in 1966-1968 or during a future visit in the 1970s or 1980s.
 
Chain length 23” (hangs 11 1/2” down from back of neck)
 
Ghau H 4 1/8” x W 4 1/8” x D 1 1/8”
Approx 5 oz (142g)
 
Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.