Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting Vishnupadaka

Two sacred feet, side by side, tucked under a little gold roof.

This plaque amulet depicting Vishnupadaka is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India, dates to the 19th century, and is 21 karat gold. The footprints of Vishnu are a long-revered emblem in Hindu devotion, generally understood as a sign of the god's presence and protection. The house-shaped plaque frames a pair of raised feet beneath an arched canopy with a rayed motif at its peak. Leafy sprigs fill the lower corners, and a beaded border runs around the panel. A tubular loop sits on top, and the gold has a warm, buttery tone. It is 0.5 inches long and 0.75 high.

Small enough to wear, serious enough to keep close.