Amulet c. 20th century

This amulet, made by an anonymous artist, features detailed inscriptions, it's like a little puzzle box worn close to the heart. The surface is a grid, each square filled with symbols and text that feel both ancient and immediate. What I love is how the artist has used a limited set of marks to create something so intricate and personal. It’s less about perfection and more about process. Each scratch and line feels considered, like a meditation etched into metal. Look closely and you can see the irregularities in the surface, evidence of the hand that made it. The aged patina of the metal adds another layer of depth, making you wonder about the journeys this piece has been on, the stories it could tell. It reminds me a little of the work of Paul Klee, who also explored the power of simple forms and symbols. Amulets like this remind us that art isn't always about grand statements. Sometimes, it's about the quiet, persistent act of making, of believing, of hoping.