Amulet box / ga'u

A woman's ga'u in the form of a mandala or cosmic diagram. The front of this case is covered in filigree decoration with additional settings of turquoise flower-like settings in the central panel and on the four triangular wings. In addition to this there are five settings of red glass, one at the centre and one each for the cardinal directions. This piece may have been made in Lhasa by a Newar metalworker. Such boxes were worn suspended on a strap or sash across the shoulder or around the waist when travelling. The contents are missing.