Tibetan Gao or Prayer Box with Cloth Cover

Silver repousse and a woven strap: a shrine made to travel.

Tibetan silversmiths made this gao, or prayer box, in silver and copper with a cloth strap in the mid to late 19th century. Gau boxes are commonly worn across the body as amulets and may hold small images or blessed items. The arched front is worked in relief with auspicious motifs around a central niche, where a small seated figure is visible. A beaded border runs along the base. The metal has darkened in the recesses, and the strap is a faded patterned brown cloth.

About 7 inches tall. Hangs well from a hook, and travels in spirit.