Medieval Gold Leaf-Shaped Pendant with Garnet

Formed with a U-shaped bowl, tapering cylindrical stem and domed discoid foot, the body exterior displaying clusters of vertical ribs alternating with columns of pellets; mounted on a custom-made wooden display base. 750 grams, 12 cm high (890 grams total, 15 cm high including stand)



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.

The chalice is the most important liturgical object used in Christian worship, and for centuries it has been given a central place on the altar. Its form directly references the vessel used by Christ during the Last Supper when, according to the Gospel of Matthew (26:27-28) he ‘took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to [his disciples], saying: Drink ye all of it for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.’ Since the moment of transubstantiation is believed to occur while the chalice is filled with the Communion wine, such vessels have historically been created using the richest, most precious materials available to the church and its craftsmen.

Comprising a handled tripod skillet, jugs and pots, some retaining their handles; most with chips and cracks. 4.55 kg total, 14.5-33.5 cm



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

In medieval Southampton, jugs and cups were found in great number and were the most common forms of Tudor green ware. They were small and plain, and possibly used for drinking rather than serving and therefore can be classified as drinking jugs (or mugs).

Comprising: a complete heraldic pendant accompanied by a Portable Antiquities Scheme record, quatrefoil in plan with a triangular tab between each foil creating a central shield bearing a worn heraldic device, possibly azure, a bend cotticed or, with worn remains of red and blue enamelling and trace remains of gilding, dated c.1340-1450; a square fitting displaying an X-motif and remains of gilding, stud to reverse; quatrefoil pendant with occluded loop and crowned shield to centre bearing heraldic device; large square-shaped pendant with broad bar, hatching and body, enigmatic recessed design with remains of blue and red enamelling and gilding; rectangular pendant with bars to one edge, circular piercing to three corners, enigmatic recessed design; fitting comprising two joined openwork discs with stars at the apex and studs to reverses. 71 grams total, 21-57 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-9E41E1.