Iron Ga'u or Portable shrine

Probably from Eastern Tibet, Kham Province

15th century 

Iron

W12xH9xD4.6cm

Private collection, London

This amulet box made in iron, is rounded with a flattened base. The front is in the repoussé technique and chased in high relief with the image of Buddha seated in padmasana on a lotus throne. Underneath is a platform piled with several layers of textile decorated with floral motifs. The Buddha is holding a bowl in his left hand, which may refer to the Buddha of Healing and medicine (Bhaisajyaguru). It could also represent Akshobhya, the guardian of the East.  The Buddha has a nimbus around his head and a decorative halo emanates from his body. The background is decorated with scrolling lotus leaves. The sides are engraved with leafy scrollwork. A ring on each side allowed the box to be attached to a belt, worn across the chest. The backside is engraved with a double vajra on a background filled with floral motifs. The iron material and the long narrow face of the Buddha indicate an early date. Iron ga’us are relatively rare.

References:

An example is illustrated in Ghose (2016, p 46) and in Clarke (2004, p 24), both attributed to the 15^th century.