Amulet case or portable shrine, g'au, made of copper alloy, with a glass window on the front revealing the figure of a Buddha. The front panel of the case is embossed and depicts the eight auspicious Buddhist symbols. A loop on either side of the case. The Buddha figure within the case is of copper alloy with turquoise inlay around the top of the head.
Large g’au such as this example could have been worn whilst travelling. Travelling was a time when people were particularly vulnerable and often several g’au were carried to provide extra protection. When travelling this g’au would probably have been worn on a sash, slung from shoulder to waist. However it’s flat bottom also allows for it to be placed on a shelf as part of a shrine.
