Amulet box / ga'u

A man's oval shaped iron ga'u with brass circular lugs in quatrefoil shape. The body of the ga'u is worked in complex openwork patterns distinctive of the Derge style from Eastern Tibet. Within the central panel of one side of the ga'u, incorporated into busy scrolling foliage, are the eight auspicious symbols. On the other side of the ga'u there appears to be a precious jewel (well worn) with dragons on either side of it. At the left and right are tsipa or monster masks. The ga'u is empty.