Materials:

Sterling Silver

Coral, lapis lazuli & turquoise

Garnet & Himalayan emerald

Gold-plated silver

Dimensions & Weight:

Length: 4 inches

Height: 3.5 inches

Depth: 2 inches

Weight: 230 grams

Shipping Origin: Kathmandu, Nepal

Description:

Master Nepali craftsman created this exceptional sterling silver Double Ghau, intricately inlaid with lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise, emerald, and garnet.

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: Mahakala (carved from coral), representing the ultimate destructive power and is not bounded by any rules or regulations. He has the power to dissolve even time and space into themselves and exists as a void at the dissolution of the universe, is flanked by two Dankini (carved from turquoise), muses for spiritual practice that carry the souls of the dead to the sky.

FIRST LEVEL: Uppermita (carved from lapis lazuli), 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 mantra, “Om Mane Padme Hum” is figured on the lid in the Newari Buddhist font.

SECOND LEVEL: Chenrezig (carved from turquoise), is the most revered of all Bodhisattva, embodying the compassion of all Buddhas. He listens to the prayers of all sentient beings in times of challenge and difficulty. The lid of this level has a figure of a stupa.

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 are absolutely remarkable.