Nepalese Gao or Prayer Box

A prayer box with two dragons and a little deity inside.

Nepalese silversmiths made this gao, or prayer box, in silver. Gao are commonly worn by Tibetan Buddhists as portable shrines, holding small images or relics for protection. This round example has a central niche with a seated image, flanked by two dragons in relief, with a lotus above and a decorative motif below, all within a beaded rim. Side loops accept a cord. A velvet-like red cloth pouch, edged in green, sits in front of it.

About six inches wide. Devotion, miniaturized, with a very good silver finish.