Miao Spirit Lock or Padlock Pendant

Heart-shaped coils over a petal-stamped plate, all very symmetrical.

This silver spirit lock or padlock pendant is Miao (Hmong), from Thailand. Hmong communities live across southern China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, and their silversmiths are known for repousse work, chains and engraved detail. Wide rectangular plate stamped with a large flower or rosette of pointed petals, ringed by dots, with fans in the lower corners. Two tight spirals sit above S-shaped wire loops that sweep outward. Finish is bright and lightly worn. It is 2.25 inches long and 2 high.

Pretty enough to forgive how much it fusses over symmetry.