UPDATE:  We have been able to open the back.  Please review the images of what is inside. 

This Gau (a prayer box) is a small shrine. It would normally be kept in a special location used for prayers and worship in the family home. The back slides open and there is normally special prayer requests inside which appear to be with this piece. The front displays a Buddhist Deity painted on silk.  There is a glass window protecting the silk painting.  The silver outer case is embellished with coral and turquoise.  The prayer beads are pink coral, malachite, and silver.   It has the Traphagen Museum catalog sticker attached - Ref. I-3-4.  The Gau measures 4 1/4 by 3 3/4 inches and is just under 1 inch in depth.