Amulet Box thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Amulet Box

early 20th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This woman’s amulet case is of the type called ‘sutumba’ or ‘surdewa’, popular in southern and western Tibet and the western Himalayas. Such amulet cases or ‘ga’us’ were usually worn as the centrepieces of necklaces, sometimes in pairs or in threes. The central motif on the front of the case is a lotus flower, represented by a polished turquoise supported by a silver wire or ‘stalk’.


Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Embossed silver and filigree silver wire
Brief description
This is currently labelled LOST.1301 NEEDS RENUMBERING; pendant; Ritual, silver brass turquoise, filigree, Tibet, C19
Physical description
An oblong silver amulet case with lobed ends, the front surface decorated with filigree wires, stamped ornament and seven turquoises.
Dimensions
  • Length: 16cm
  • Width: 15.5cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Lord Curzon
Object history
Bequest of Lord Curzon.
Summary
This woman’s amulet case is of the type called ‘sutumba’ or ‘surdewa’, popular in southern and western Tibet and the western Himalayas. Such amulet cases or ‘ga’us’ were usually worn as the centrepieces of necklaces, sometimes in pairs or in threes. The central motif on the front of the case is a lotus flower, represented by a polished turquoise supported by a silver wire or ‘stalk’.
Collection
Accession number
IM.277-1927

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Record createdFebruary 24, 2004
Record URL
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