Copper or copper alloy mantra pot with a rounded body, flat base and wide neck with an everted rim. The pot is decorated with applied floral and leaf shapes in brass, some of which are possibly coated with silver. There is a floral design incised on the base.The pot contains a mantra written in Sanskrit and Tibetan on paper. The mantra appears to be a charm for health, wealth and prosperity. The Sanskrit text in the centre evokes Lakshmi Devi, Goddess of Wealth. On each inner side are mantras in Sanskrit – starting top (“May I attain Lakshmi”), right-side (“May I obtain Siddha” or “Boon of accomplishment”), bottom (“May I obtain Adha” ?) and left side (“May I obtain knowledge”). The outer edges are in Tibetan: Top (“ May the resources of the bearer flourish”); right side (“ May the longevity and fortune of the bearer ... [ continues on the bottom side] authority, good luck, wealth ... [on the left side] flourish according to the bearer’s wishes”).
This object looks Indian, even though it has a Tibetan mantra stuffed inside, it is not a Tibetan shape.
