Petite Brass Pendant Charm

This petite brass charm is fitted with a small loop for use as a pendant, and would have been worn as a protective charm on a necklace, bracelet, or tassel. The tiny charm has an abstract domed shape with granulated decoration and bears certain resemblance to a tortoise shell. In ancient China, the tortoise (gui 龟) was considered a sacred animal and a symbol of the universe. The turtle's domed shell represented the heavens, while its flat underside represented the earth. With the tortoise's long life-span, the turtle shell is also a natural symbol for longevity and good fortune.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.