Amulet case. Italy, [18th century].
Silver, cast, repoussé and engraved (unmarked).
Two-sided amulet case, decorated with rocailles and leaves in rococo style. Upper edge with domed canopy with a trefoil suspension loop. On both sides, a heart-shaped cartouche bearing the Holy Name "Shaddai" in the center, next to various decorations: the Tablets of the Law (engraved with the Ten Commandments and two Stars of David) and a seven-branched menorah on one side; with a priestly turban and incense pan on the other. On the bottom side of the case is an opening within which to place the amulet, covered with a removable lid fastened by a screw and nut.
Cases of this sort were used for keeping amulets, which were folded up and housed in the inner cavity. Some amulets were prepared for a specific individual; some were intended for a specific purpose. Such amulets would typically be exchanged when the case changed hands. Over time, the cases themselves began to serve as amulets.
Height: 11.5 cm. Width: 7.5 cm. Weight: 80.4 g. Fair condition. Warping, fractures and defects. Slight corrosion. Old soldering repairs. Grape cluster decoration lacking from bottom. Case flattened, consequently losing some of its capacity.
