Antique Tibetan Ghau, Gau, box encrusted with glass beads depicting goddess Tara

A Tibetan ghau prayer box that has an intricate inlay of turquoise and coral glass depicting goddess Tara. Tara is the supreme savior and goddess of mercy in Vajrayana Buddhism, best understood as a female counterpart to a bodhisattva. This is probably from the 1960's and almost certainly made in Katmandu, Nepal. A Ghau is a small Buddhist prayer box where prayers and sacred relics, such as a folded up scroll of sacred mantras, special herbs or sacred relics, are kept.