Hindu Pilgrim’s Silver Amulet Pendant Necklace (Chhedi ka Jantar)

This beautiful and wearable amulet pendant of high-grade silver is suspended on what is probably an original multi-strand, black yarn necklace. It is from Rajasthan and dates to the early 20th century or before.

It encloses a hand-painted painting of two elegant female deities and a central figure, possibly Krishna, framed by the silver in Rajput-style cusped arches and columns, and beneath a thin sheet of glass.

Four eyelets at the top allow for suspension.  Multiple silver bells are suspended from the sides and the lower edge.

The reverse of the amulet is enclosed with plain sheet silver.

Such an amulet most probably was acquired from the environs of a temple by a pilgrim and worn thereafter as a keepsake.

A related example is illustrated in Untracht (1997, p. 131).

The piece has splendid patina; its contours have been worn smooth by wear, age and handling. It is very wearable.