Obj. ID: 37079 Amulet for Pocket Watch Chain, China, circa 1900
sub-set tree:
The following description was prepared by William Gross:
From earliest times, man has tried to protect himself from misfortune by the use of objects which he considered holy or otherwise (e.g., magically) potent. Amulets and talismans are items generally worn around the neck or wrist, carried in a pocket or purse or hung on a wall. They are meant to protect or aid those who carried or wore them. The Hebrew word for amulet, kame‘a, has the root meaning "to bind". Jewish amulets are usually comprised of texts (either letters or graphic symbols) that are inscribed on some sort of material; some may also contain plant matter or precious stones. The texts of amulets usually include holy names that are believed to have the ability to affect reality, along with incantations summoning angels or other magical powers. For the most part, an amulet has a specific purpose: to ease childbirth, facilitate recovery from illness, improve one’s livelihood, and so on, but in the modern world many are also made for general protection.
This Shadai amulet was placed at the end of a watch fob chain. On the reverse side of the amulet are Chinese gold marks, indicating its manufacture in either Hong Kong or Shanghai. Such an origin is most unusual. The amulet may well have been ordered from a Chinese goldsmith by a gentleman visiting in one of those cities or one who lived there. While ritual objects are known from Chinese craftsman, although quite rare, this watch fob amulet of Chinese origin may well be almost unique. The purpose is clearly one of general protection for the wearer.