Tibetan solid silver Gau, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 7.2 x 6.8 x 2.4 cm. Total weight (with wooden back): 37 g.

The main body is made of copper, while the richly decorated front panel is crafted from worked silver. The silverwork is characterized by an elaborate floral decoration, created using chiseling techniques that emphasize ornamental details such as stylized flowers and recurring patterns. At the center of the front panel, there is a niche with a lobed arch shape, typical of Tibetan style, which serves as a sacred space to house the image of a deity, a spiritual master, or a votive tsa tsa. The niche is surrounded by intertwined floral motifs, symbolizing the interconnectedness of nature with the divine.

The Gau is a traditional portable Tibetan relic used as a votive and protective container. Traditionally, Gau are worn as personal amulets or reliquaries, holding sacred images, mantras, or small spiritual relics, offering spiritual protection to the wearer.