Old Tibetan "Ghau" in silver with turquoise and coral

This ghau, probably from the 19th or early 20th century, is an outstanding example of Tibetan filigree craftsmanship. The front is made of richly decorated silver, adorned with 18 small turquoise stones and two corals, while the back is made of tinplate.

Dimensions: width: 7.4 cm, height: 7.7 cm, depth: 2 cm
Weight: 185 g

Amulets and talismans have a long tradition in Tibet. One special form is the silver ghau box, which is traditionally worn as a pendant around the neck and comes in various shapes and sizes. They serve as portable protective containers in which amulets, prayer scrolls, mantras, pictures, small Buddha statues or Tibetan medicine pills are kept - to unfold their spiritual power on the go.