Jewellery
Amulet Box
18th century-19th century (made)
18th century-19th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This amulet box or ‘jantar’ is of a type made and used by Newars in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Like Tibetan amulet cases, jantars were used to contain prayers written on paper or other blessed objects believed to protect the wearer. This box features the ‘jarao’ inlay technique, which combines the setting of stones in cloisons with filigree wire decoration to cover the surfaces of jewellery and ritual objects. The technique was especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. The central face of this example is a mythical Chepu or monster mask.
Object details
Object type | |
Title | Jewellery (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Silver gilt, covered with cut and shaped semi-precious and precious stones |
Brief description | Ceremonial Amulet, silver gilt, Nepal, 18th century. |
Physical description | A silver-gilt box covered with cut and shaped semi-precious and precious stones in the Jarao technique. The central face is a mythical Chepu or monster mask. |
Dimensions |
|
Gallery label | Earring and Amulet Box (Jantar)
1700–1800
Shah period
The Newar people were well known for their skill as jewellers and
for this type of stone encrustation, called jarao work. Earrings such
as this were used to adorn religious images. Jantars , like Tibetan
amulet boxes, were used to contain prayers written on paper, or
other sacred objects believed to protect the wearer.
Nepal
12. Gilded silver, turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, beryl, ruby and sapphire
Museum no. IM.84A-1911
13. Gilded silver, turquoise, coral, ruby, sapphire, emerald and garnet
Museum no. IM.91-1911(14/06/2011) |
Credit line | Purchased from Imre Schwaiger, 39 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square, W |
Object history | ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
Production | Kathmandu valley |
Summary | This amulet box or ‘jantar’ is of a type made and used by Newars in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Like Tibetan amulet cases, jantars were used to contain prayers written on paper or other blessed objects believed to protect the wearer. This box features the ‘jarao’ inlay technique, which combines the setting of stones in cloisons with filigree wire decoration to cover the surfaces of jewellery and ritual objects. The technique was especially popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. The central face of this example is a mythical Chepu or monster mask. |
Bibliographic reference | John Clarke: Jewellery of Tibet and Himalayas, V&A Publications
ISBN 1 85177 4238, 2004, page 113, no.111. |
Collection | |
Accession number | IM.91-1911 |
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Record created | February 9, 2004 |
Record URL |
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