finger-ring
- Museum number
- 1980,1202.1
- Description
-
Finger-ring; gold, sapphire; stirrup-shaped hoop with dragons at each shoulder, the tails ending in a pair of clasped hands opposite the triangular bezel, which is set with a sapphire. Inscribed in Lombardic lettering on the outer face of the hoop '+ IE . SUI . DE . DRUE . RIE . E . SI . NE . ME . DO . NEI . MIE' (I am a love token, do not give me away).
- Production date
- 13thC
- Dimensions
-
Diameter: 23 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- Text from Alexander & Binski 1987, see bibliography:
'Although the triangular bezel and stirrup-shaped hoop recall religious rings, this is a secular ring. The clasped hands are a symbol of love and trust, and the legend indicates that the ring was a lovers' gift.'
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2010-2011 17 Jul-30 Jan, Colchester Castle Museum, 'The Medieval Mind: Art Treasures from East Anglia'
1987-1988 6 Nov-6 Mar, London, Royal Academy of Arts, Age of Chivalry: Art in Plantagenet England 1200-1400
- Acquisition date
- 1980
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1980,1202.1
