Kavel 9816

Fine small amulet or relic holder, South India, 19th century, finely engraved gold front with a traditional depiction of Vishnu accompanied by his consort Lakshmi, fitted into a silver holder. Vishnu, the "preserver" in the Hindu triad (Trimurt), is depicted as having four arms with a garland of flowers hanging from his neck ( Vaijayant); upper-left hand holding the Panchajanya shankha (conch); upper-right hand handing the Sudarshana Chakra (discus); lower-left hand holding the Kaustubha gem on his chest and with his lower-left hand holding his consort Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, good fortune, beauty and purity. This traditional depiction is also frequently found on gold pagodas of the Vijayanagar kingdom and its successors of South India. (Ref.: Friedberg 363-4, Mitch.910-1) and confirms its close relation of the traditional depiction of the images - elongated octagonal shape, size 26x28 mm with loops for suspension - very attractivly engraved and rare amulet in a.XF condition