Minneapolis Institute of Art

Gahu Amulet Box

Tibet

Date

19th century

Medium

Gilt metal, gold, turquoise, lapis, mother-of-pearl and other gemstones

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Charm, or amulet, cases often contained sacred prayers, objects blessed by a lama (teacher), or even fragments of a monk’s robe. They were commonly worn by women around the neck and by men attached to a belt or saddlebag. Here, the scrolling filigree work is inlaid with precious stones in the form of a Kirtimukha , or face of glory, meant to ward off evil spirits. The clasp takes the shape of a vajra, or thunderbolt, a symbol of enlightenment. Tibet, Asia

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