Boîtier-Amulette bouddhiste "gau"

copper/silver metal sheet, detailed front partly openworked and finely chased (flowers, Buddhist symbols of good fortune), glazed opening in the centre, eyelets on both sides, old age patina;
these prayer boxes are used to store personal amulets and other objects.
The box originally was contained in a properly shaped fabric bag provided with suspension belt and was worn around the neck like jewellry. The amulet containers should ward off evil spirits.