Talismanic rock crystal and silver crabs eye pendant

German, late 17th century.

Measures 3.8 x 2.8 x 2.1cm excluding loose bail and chain.

The exterior of the pendant is adorned with finely faceted, fluted teardrop-shaped panels of clear rock crystal, each set within intricately engraved silver dog’s-tooth settings. Both sides of the pendant open to reveal three hollowed, hemispherical compartments carved directly into the crystal. These compartments are separated by a central silver partition that serves as a lid, once used to secure the pendant’s precious contents. The piece retains its original suspension ring and chain, designed to be worn on the finger.

In the 17th century, crabs’ eyes—calcified stones from the stomachs of crabs—were prized for their amuletic and medicinal properties. Believed to protect against poison, ward off witchcraft, and cure ailments like epilepsy, toothache, and digestive issues, they were used in both folk magic and apothecary medicine. Ground into powders or worn as charms, they were thought to possess absorbent and antidotal powers, aligning with contemporary beliefs in humoral balance and sympathetic magic. Their marine origin also lent them symbolic value in alchemical and natural-philosophical systems.

For a closely related example, see Lempertz, Cologne, Silver, 15 November 2024, lot 577: A silver-gilt mounted crayfish eye amulet: https://www.lempertz.com/en/catalogues/lot/1253-1/577-a-silver-gilt-mounted-crayfish-eye-amulet.html