Gaus in Tibetan is a prayer box that holds a small statue of a deity wrapped in silk cloth, together with other holy relics.They are strapped across the body by the nomadic Tibetans during their travels as a source of protection and blessing.

The box is made of three different metals.The main image is made of silver and brass, depicting the eight Buddhist emblems interspersed with four of the numerous Tibetan animals. The details of the emblems, peacocks, monkeys, elephants and snow lions are painstakingly chiseled and repoussé by skillful smiths.

These are the eight Buddhist emblems:

Precious parasol: Provides protection against evil.

Conch shell: Representing the fame of Buddha's teaching that spread in all directions like the sound of the conch shell.

Knots of eternity: Intertwining of wisdom and compassion.the perfection of knowledge.

Vase of eight treasures: Symbols of good fortune representing the perfect nature of the dharma, longevity and prosperity.

The victory banner: Victory of the enlightened teachings, knowledge over ignorance, overcoming all hindrances and the attainment of happiness.

The lotus flower: Mental purity and enlightened. The lotus has its roots in mud but blossoms into a beautiful flower. Similarly, though a person may be impure but there is a potential to gain enlightenment and perfection.

The spooked and wheel: Known as the wheel of Dharma that represents the noble eight fold path.

Two golden fish: Being saved from the oceans of earthly life and suffering.

Note: Depth 7cm