Silver Amulet Case – Italy, 18th Century

Amulet case. Venice, Italy, [18th century].
Silver, repoussé, punched, and engraved; gilt.
Double-sided amulet case, decorated in leaf and rocaille rococo motifs.
Surmounted by crown, in turn surmounted by clover-like ornament. An ornament in the shape of a cluster of grapes, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, is at the bottom. A heart-shaped cartouche inscribed with the Hebrew word "Shaddai" (Almighty) appears at the center of both sides of the amulet case. This cartouche is flanked by different images on either side of the object; on one side, the Tablets of the Law are to the right, and a conical ritual priestly head covering (or mitre; also inscribed with the word "Shaddai") is to the left; on the other side, to the right is a hand ladling out water from an ornate bowl, and to the left a pair of hands raised in the traditional hand posture of the Priestly Benediction.
Height: 12.5 cm. Width: 9 cm. Minor blemishes.