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