VISHNU ANIMATED PENDANT AMULET
Tibet
19th century
Coral, turquoise and brass
Pendant dimensions: H.: 9; W.: 7.5 cm
Length to wear: 32 cm
Rectangular amulet animated by one of the three main deities of Hinduism: Vishnu, on a background of leafy scrolls and flowers of turquoise and coral cabochons. He is seated on Garuda, his vâhana, a bird-man depicted in a very stylized manner.
Eight drop-shaped pendants adorn the lower part of the pendant while a frieze of turquoise beads surrounds its perimeter.
Two suspension rings support a chain with large flat links. The hook clasp is openwork and richly decorated with floral cabochons in coral beads, centered with a blue hard stone.
This is probably an ancient amulet box cover mounted as a pendant. These boxes had a talisman function.
Text and photos © FCP CORIDON
Ref.: 5029