Indian Bronze Mold for Amulet

Arms flung wide, a trident at one side, and a skirt like a fan.

This bronze mold for casting or pressing amulets is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. A mold is a negative form, and by pressing or pouring material into it a maker can produce many copies of the same small image or design. Peaked plaque with a fine border and a frontal, seated figure with a tall crown, outstretched arms and a pronounced fan-like lower garment. Small round discs and arrow marks fill the corners, and a trident rises at the upper left. It is 1.25 inches wide, 1.75 deep and 0.25 high.

A grand gesture, neatly and carefully engraved.