Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting Boteh

Fine curling stems frame a three-lobed plant in this dark, subtly green pendant.

This plaque amulet depicting a boteh is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India. It is coin silver. Plaque amulets are flat, usually pierced for a cord, and carry a single image in relief or engraving so that it can be worn close to the body. Leaf-shaped plaque with a bean-like boss, a tall tapered loop and a fine raised rim. The tendrils are neat and thin against a greyish brown ground, with traces of green in the recesses. It is 0.5 inches long and 0.75 high.

Fine-line work that a thumb could easily wear away.