Nepalese Gilded Amulet Box set with Rubies & other Semi-Precious Gems

This fine amulet box of gilded copper is decorated on the front with an elaborate depiction in high relief of a four-armed and crowned Vishnu astride Garuda, Vishnu’s celestial vehicle or vahana, who is depicted with wings out-stretched. The two are surrounded by six flowers set with semi-precious stones amid filigree scrollwork to suggest stems.

The box is decorated with gilded filigree, turquoise, dozens of large rubies, coral, rock crystal, and rock crystal with green foil backing.

Vishnu’s face is of rock crystal carved with facial features. Garuda’s face is a carved ruby, as is Garuda’s body. The outstretched wings are set with coral.

The surrounding flowers are set with rock crystal and rubies.

The outer border of the box is set with dozens of turquoise cabochons.

The sides of the box are decorated with filigree in a repeated lunette pattern. There are two gilded loops at the top to allow suspension. The backing plate fits tightly.

It is a fine example of Newar metalwork and stone inlay from the Kathmandu Valley. The fashion for this type of inlay which involves the use of cloisons and thin strips of metal to hold the gems in place, usually together with spiral filigree, is known as jarao or jadoba.

A Nepalese amulet box set with gems and of similar proportions attributed to circa 18th century is illustrated in Clarke (2004, p. 112).

The box is in excellent condition. It is a splendid piece.