31 Brazilian Silver Amulets

The verisimilitude of this pin to a leaf may be the result of its actually having been cast from one. But the unobtrusive nib at the end of the gently curving stem, by which the pin ...

This faceted, geometric sculpture by the contemporary New York artist John Torreano dates to the mid-1980s.

This giltwood sculpture was carved in the round, probably in southern France or northern Italy in the 1760s. Her pronounced musculature speaks to the ongoing influence of Michelange...

In the 1920s Gio Ponti, who defined 20th century Italian design, was the art director of Richard-Ginori, a venerable porcelain company established in the 18th century. When Ponti moved on in 1930, his protégé Giovanni Gariboldi, who also designed furniture and interiors, filled the vacated position. It would seem that Gariboldi found his model for these shell-shaped dishes in nature, but this is not the case. Rather, he channeled the essence of “shellness," and endowed his design with the faux verisimilitude of delicate ribbing along the scalloped edge. Yet he had them glazed in improbable candy-like pastel colors of pink, yellow, and blue. Originally used principally as ashtrays, no doubt, they could also be put to use as serving dishes for nuts and candies, or as decorative tabletop objects...

This Empire ormolu head of a woman was made as a furniture mount in France around 1810, and probably adorned a bed. In any case, closer to our own time, it was deemed worthy of mount...

According to Japanese folklore the fox, or kitsune, can assume human form to protect and trick humble country folk. Dating to the 18th century, this fox protects its own pup. Carved ...

Early 20th century metal hanging amulet from native culture in Brazil. Known as 'Penca de Balangadas' was used in the ancient times as an amulet by the ...

Mid 20th century brazilian silver hanging amulet from native culture in Brazil. Known as "Penca de Balangandãs" was used in the ancient times as an amul...

Mid 20th century brazilian silver hanging amulet from native culture in Brazil. Known as "Penca de Balangandãs" was used in the ancient times as an amul...

Absolutely unique very large creole 'Penca De Balangandan' from Brazil from around 1960. Tin base, possibly silver plated. Traditional slave amule...

15th Century or Earlier Redware Tangas, Marajoara culture, Marajo Island, Brazil Tangas are thin concave triangular ceramic pubic covers found in burial mounds associated with fem...

9th century silver processional priest's hats, Chimu culture, Peru. These silver hats were originally covered with fabric, as can be seen in the remaining surface pattern. The hol...