reliquary;
pendant
- Museum number
- 2012,8046.1
- Description
-
Gold reliquary pendant of lozenge shape with integrated coil suspension loop. The obverse is engraved with a female saint, possibly the Virgin Mary, or Saint Helena supporting the cross. The cross is speckled in a manner to suggest it is either bleeding or is covered in blood. To the left and right of the figure are foliate tendrils. The floor on which the figure stands is of a chequerboard design, indicating a tiled floor or pavement. The reverse of the pendant is engraved in the centre with a heart, surrounded by four weeping incisions indicating the five wounds of Christ, and a profusion of droplets indicating Christ's blood. The reverse is a moveable panel which slides out to reveal a cavity in which a relic, possibly of the true cross, would once have been placed. The sides of the pendant carry on three of the four panels the names of the Magi: IASPAR, MELCIOR, BALTASAR. The remaining panel is engraved with a foliate detail.
- Production date
- 16th century (Early)
- Dimensions
-
Length: 33 millimetres
-
Width: 25 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Location
- On display (G2/fc169)
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
2014, Oct 14 - London, BM, G2, 'Collecting the World'
2019-2020, 27 Jul-16 Feb, Colchester, Colchester Castle, Essex Bling
- Acquisition date
- 2012
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 2012,8046.1
- Additional IDs
-
Treasure/PAS number: 2009T256 (Treasure Number)
-
Treasure/PAS number: ESS-2C4836 (PAS Database Number)
