This small pottery amulet has an image in relief of Somdej, a Buddhist monk and son to King Rama II, meditating on a coiled snake, and was found in a temple in Siam (Modern Thailand) in the first part of the 19th century. These are typically found snugly fitted into tiny metal frames, allowing the amulet to be worn by a worshiper. In this case, the metal frame broke off and the owner or a tinker came up with a fast and economical remedy by encasing the amulet in what looks like small scale chicken wire. Not the most attractive solution but I am sure the owner was most appreciative and happy just to be able to wear the amulet again.
Amulet measures nearly 2″ long.
Another amulet, with similar design and form, is housed in a more appropriate metal frame. This is a more standard method of encasing and was perhaps how my amulet looked early in its life.
Photo courtesy of eBay