Materials:
Coral
Turquoise
Copper

Dimensions & Weight:
Length: 6 inches
Width: 6 inches
Weight: 370 grams

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this exceptional Ghau, intricately inlaid with carved coral and turquoise.

Many Buddhists in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and now all over the world use a prayer box pendant called a “Ghau.” The Ghau opens to a concealed inner space, and is traditionally used by Tibetan Buddhists to hold a picture of their favorite deity of Lama, a folded up scroll of sacred mantras, special herbs, or sacred relics. The Ghau is used as an amulet to help the wearer to ward off negative energy and attract blessings. A Ghau is also used as a portable shrine and is worn on a cord around the neck and hung close to the heart.

Iconography:

TOP: Aparmita (carved from turquoise) is the name given to Amitabha in his character of bestower of longevity. Aparmita may appear either as a “Crowned Buddha” or a Bodhisattva and is therefore richly clad and wears the thirteen ornaments. Aparmita is seated like Buddha and his hands lie on his lap in Dhyana Mudra holding the ambrosia vase, his special emblem. The vase is richly decorated, and from the cover fall four strings of beads which represent sacred pills. In preliminary worship, the pills made from buttered dough and the ambrosia brewed from spirits or beer are offered in a skull bowl to the great image of Aparmita. The wine in the ambrosia vase is then consecrated, and the people partake of it as well as of the sacred pills with the firm conviction that their lives will be prolonged through their faith in Aparmita.

BACK: A Tashi symbol is figured on the reverse of this Ghau, representing good fortune and the eight Buddhist auspicious symbols.

The detail and craftsmanship displayed in this unique Ghau is absolutely remarkable.