Tibetan Gau Prayer Box Coral Pendant Necklace | Opening Silver Ghau Locket | Himalayan Amulet Box
The gau (or ghau) — the traditional Tibetan prayer box worn as a protective amulet — has been carried close to the body by Himalayan Buddhists for centuries, its hollow interior housing sacred images, relics, or rolled prayer scrolls. This richly decorated example is encrusted entirely in vivid red coral: a central teardrop cabochon sits within a nest of rounded coral beads, all enclosed by an outer ring of rectangular coral bar sections, separated throughout by fine silver rope-twist borders and cloison dividers.
The back lid itself carries a beautifully engraved vajra (or dorje) — the thunderbolt scepter that is one of the most potent symbols in Vajrayana Buddhism. The panel opens completely to reveal a smooth hollow silver interior, ready to receive a sacred image, mantra scroll, or personal relic.
The sides of the ghau feature a continuous openwork circle-pattern silver band — a classic decorative element of Tibetan metalsmithing. A small dorje-inspired finial at the base and a ribbed tubular bail at top complete the traditional ghau form.
With the included black leather cord, the pendant sits beautifully at the chest center — dramatic, deeply red, and full of Himalayan character. A wearable piece of living Buddhist tradition.
Details:
- Origin: Tibet
- Materials: Tibetan silver, coral (leather cord included)
- Weight: 1 oz
- Measurements: 1.9″ height; 1.1″ width; 0.8″ depth
- Top loop measures 0.2″ to easily fit chains, cords, or ribbons