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Description: | A worn but complete cast copper-alloy harness pendant of medieval date. The form of the artefact is that of an 'elaborate quatrefoil' (Ward Perkins' (1940, 118) Type V), that is, with lozengiform protrusions between the semicircles. Central on one of the semicircles is a complete suspension loop with sub-circular perforation (L.: 10.3mm, W.: 5.3mm, Th.: 1.85mm); it is perpendicular to the main body of the pendant. The loop has been bent at an angle to the pendant. The object itself is slightly curved in profile. Its upper surface is decorated using a form of champlevé enamelling, in so far as enamel surrounds elements moulded in low relief. There is a central square, protruding from each side of which is a fleur-de-lys. In the centre of the square is a lion passant guardant (walking left). The fields around the fleurs-de-lys feature blue enamel traces. It is likely that the raised elements would have once been gilded and that red enamelling would have surrounded the lion.Indeed, as Irene Szymanski writes, '[This is] a relatively common type of pendant; examples have been found throughout the country. They exist in two colourways: the lion on a red ground and the fleurs-de-lys on blue, or the lion on a blue ground and the fleurs-de-lys on red.' For further comment on the significance of the heraldic device see Irene's comments in the 'Notes' section, below. Many examples of this type can be found either on this database in slightly varying sizes, including ones found in Hampshire (e.g. HAMP-906237, or in the literature, for example Ashley (2002, 21, 23; refs. 208-213) and Read (2001, 49, 56; refs. 440-442).
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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