Untitled

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Gold, beryl, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and turquoise · Asian Art

Amulet boxes (ga’u) like this one would have contained written or printed texts that monks consecrated to protect the wearer. This specific box was designed to be worn as a necklace, part of the elaborate jewelry of a noblewoman. The intricate goldwork and inlaid rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and turquoise refer to the crystalline nature of the heavens. The two overlaid squares symbolize crossed vajras.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Gold, beryl, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and turquoise

Culture

Tibet

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

John Stewart Kennedy Fund, 1915