Amulet Case

NEPAL

This amulet case was made in Nepal during the first half of the 19th century. Similar talismans have commonly been used in Newari Buddhism and in the whole Himalayan region.
The amulet case is made from gilt silver and is in the shape of a fan. On the exterior of the lid, there is a turquoise image of Green Tara sitting on a lapis throne surrounded by delicate wire scroll work. She wears a celestial garment and a crown, and holds a lotus stem in each hand. The blossoms are red coral beads, and the lid is edged with similar beads. The lid is hinged at the top, and at the bottom, there is a bead and reel ornamented tube with conical ends. The bottom is flat and engraved with a four-prong vajra. Inside the amulet case, there is an image of Manjusri Bodhisattva made from red coral beads.