Amulet case. [Probably Venice, Italy, 18th century].

Silver, cast, repoussé, and engraved (unmarked).

Two-sided amulet case, adorned with vegetal patterns and rocailles in Rococo style.

The body of the amulet is surmounted by a crown-shaped ornament, in turn surmounted by a clover-shaped set of suspension rings. At the bottom is an ornament shaped like a cluster of grapes, symbolizing fecundity and abundance. On either side of the amulet case, at center, are heart-shaped cartouches enclosing the Holy Name "Shaddai", flanked on either side by various ornaments: on one side of the case a priestly head covering, and on the other side an incense burner for Temple use; on the other side of the case, the Two Tablets of the Law inscribed with the abbreviated Ten Commandments and the seven-branched Temple Menorah.

Cases of this sort were used for keeping amulets, which were folded up and housed in the inner chamber. Some amulets were written with a particular individual in mind; some were intended for a specific purpose. Such amulets would typically be exchanged when the case changed hands. Over time, the cases themselves began serving as amulets.

Height: 12.5 cm. Width: 9 cm. Fair-good condition. Warping; case somewhat flattened, consequently losing some of its capacity.