Amulet
Venice, Italy, c.1750
Silver, partly gilt, repousse

Such amulets were a part of every Italian Jewish home. They were hung over the crib of a newly born infant. In many families this custom is still followed. They often have representations of some of the Temple implements. This example is unusual in that it contains an unidentified family coat of arms whose main feature is a rampant lion.

Height: 11.6 cm, Width: 9.8 cm
Mark(s): City/Assay — Pazzi(I) #581
Inscribed: Shadai

enlarge