Amulet case. [Venice, Italy, 18th century].
Silver, repoussé and engraved (unmarked).
Two-sided amulet case, adorned with rocailles and Rococo-style vegetal patterns and other motifs.
The crown-like ornament near the top is surmounted by a clover-shaped suspension ring. At the bottom is a cluster of grapes, symbolizing fertility and abundance. A heart-shaped cartouche inscribed with God’s name ("Shaddai") appears on both sides. Next to this are various ornaments, including, on one side, to the right, a priestly head covering also bearing the Godly name "Shaddai", and to the left, the Two Tablets of the Law inscribed with the abbreviated Ten Commandments; and on the other side, the seven-branched Menorah to the right and an incense burner to the left.
Cases of this sort were used for keeping amulets, folded up and housed in the inner chamber. Some amulets were written with a particular individual in mind, whereas others were intended for a specific purpose. Such amulets would typically be exchanged when the case changed hands. Over time, the cases themselves began serving as amulets.

Height: 12.5 cm. Width: 9 cm. Overall good condition.

Reference: La menorà: culto, storia e mito, edited by Alessandra Di Castro, Francesco Leone, Arnold Nesselrath. Milano, Skira, 2017, p. 124.
Provenance: The Gross Family Collection, Tel Aviv, 027.001.238.
This amulet case is documented on the Center for Jewish Art (CJA) website, item no. 36169.