A common example of a ga’u, lavishly embellished with turquoise. The shape of this ga’u is known as a “double dorje.” A dorje (“diamond” or “thunderbolt”) is an important Buddhist symbol connoting the indestructibility and overwhelming power of the Buddha’s spiritual awareness. Paired with a bell, the dorje is one of the most important ritual tools of Tantric Buddhism. A double dorje is two crossed dorjes. In the center of the inner square, turquoise chips form one of eight auspicious Buddhist symbols, a treasure vase, or bum-pa. The bum-pa represents longevity and fulfillment of the highest aspirations. Silver, brass, turquoise, wax. Central Tibet, early to mid twentieth century. Museum of International Folk Art, gift of the Honorable Dorothy Brett (A.1960.12.1). Photograph by Blair Clark.
A common example of a ga’u, lavishly embellished with turquoise. The shape of this ga’u is known as a “double dorje.” A dorje (“diamond” or “thunderbolt”) is an important Buddhist symbol connoting the indestructibility and overwhelming power of the Buddha’s spiritual awareness. Paired with a bell, the dorje is one of the most important ritual tools of Tantric Buddhism. A double dorje is two crossed dorjes. In the center of the inner square, turquoise chips form one of eight auspicious Buddhist symbols, a treasure vase, or bum-pa. The bum-pa represents longevity and fulfillment of the highest aspirations. Silver, brass, turquoise, wax. Central Tibet, early to mid twentieth century. Museum of International Folk Art, gift of the Honorable Dorothy Brett (A.1960.12.1). Photograph by Blair Clark.