The Dorthy Methvin McClatchey Collection
Portable Shrine
Tibet Autonomous Region, China
1994.34.150
Late 19th - Early 20th Century
Portable shrines and charm
boxes are important items worn by Buddhists
living in Tibet and other central Asian countries. These items
contain written prayers, small images or other special amuletic
items that are designed to protect the individual from evil
spirits. Tibetan men often wear these large boxes or shrines strapped
to their bodies, especially when traveling. This shrine is made of silver and copper and
decorated with beautiful repoussé work. The front of
the ornamental box is decorated with the eight auspicious
symbols identified in the Buddhist faith: golden fish, dharma
wheel, lotus flower, right-coiled conch, vase of treasure,
precious parasol, endless knot and victory banner. Each of
these signs symbolizes some aspect of Buddhist thought.