Gold & Silver Himalayan or Indian Ganesh Plaque Pendant

This very fine amulet pendant comprises a gold sheet chased and stamped with an image of a four-armed Ganesh with attributes, within a floral and leaf scroll border.

The border and the Ganesh are all done with much fineness and precision.

The gold plaque is embedded into a silver frame and backing. The contrast of the gold with the silver is pleasing. The use of silver is also desirable. Being more durable than gold, it makes the pendant more wearable.

The pendant has a thickness to it – it is fully enclosed and it is likely that it is filled with a lac material to give it support and body, or it is packed with a mantra perhaps written on paper.

The top of the pendant has been fitted with a silver loop to allow it to be suspended from the neck.

The form of the Ganesh with its small, narrow head and thin curling trunk, suggests a Himalayan provenance – either Himalayan India or Nepal. A silver plaque with a Ganesh with similar styling that is attributed to Nepal is illustrated in Geoffrey-Schneiter (2012, p, 89). A gold plaque attributed to Tibet is in Casey Singer (1996, p. 61).

In Nepal, such an amulet pendant is known as jantar and was worn as a protective device.

The contours of the pendant have been softened by wear, and overall the item has a lovely patina. It is in essentially perfect condition. There are no splits, losses ore repairs. It is robust and wearable.