Indian Bronze Mold for Amulet

Crowned, four-armed figure perches on a low bench, one knee bent like a dancer.

This bronze mold for casting or pressing amulets is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. Bronze is a durable alloy of copper and tin, and metal molds can generally withstand repeated use far better than molds made of clay or wax. Pentagonal plaque with a beaded border and a deeply cut figure with a high headdress, raised arms and crescent shapes beside the head. The seated pose shows bent legs and a low seat at each side. Orange-brown tint marks the upper left. It is 1 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 0.25 high.

Plenty of poise packed into a small plaque.