Indian Plaque Amulet Depicting the Feet of Vishnu

Two footprints under a domed pavilion, framed in a leaf-shaped plaque.

This plaque amulet depicting the feet of Vishnu is Hindu, from Rajasthan, India, and dates to the 19th century. It is coin silver. Vishnu's footprints, known as Vishnupada, are widely venerated as a mark of the god's presence, and they appear often on shrines, textiles and jewelry. This pendant is broad and rounded, tapering to a point below. A rectangular panel at the center shows the raised feet under a canopy, flanked by vessels and floral sprays. Beaded borders and small flower bosses run around the edge, with two loops at the top. It is 2.19 inches long and 3 high.

Small and portable, yet built with ceremony.