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Description: | An incomplete Medieval (probably early 13th century) lead alloy ampulla within an openwork frame, consisting of the incomplete phial/ ampulla only. It measures 42.8x30.2x9.5mm and weighs 29.23g.The incomplete ampulla depicts the figure of probably St Thomas Becket on one side, with staff in left hand and the right hand raised in blessing. The ampulla is broken just below the head. The figure is on a raised cross-hatch background. The other side of the ampulla depicts Christ seated on a rainbow, his feet resting on a ladder, on a background of oblique bands of raised cross-hatching interspersed with plain oblique bands, angled in wards from either side of the ampulla in a V-shape. The ampulla has broken on this side just above the rainbow and is missing the upper body and head of Christ.Around the edges of the phial are broken tab-like projections, c. 4.2x1.2mm. One extends from the bottom of the phial and one each side roughly 1/3 of the way upwards. Another extends just before the break at the top of the phial, where this part of the ampulla is missing on its opposite side. These would have formed an openwork penannular frame, which might have been inscribed or decorated. The frame may also have helped to stabilise the vessel as it hung at the wearer's throat or chest (Spencer 1998 p.47).The phial is rather solid in construction, being only 22mm deep over 42.8mm of length. The sides too thick (c.6-7mm) either side of the socket.Ampullae with openwork frames of this type seem to be solely attributed to St Thomas Becket of Canterbury. The sword-point shape of the phial is not insignificant (and is especially characteristic of this type of Canterbury ampulla), and Spencer comments that it may allude to the Sword-Point, one of the main places of devotion in Canterbury (an altar set up on the spot where Becket was murdered) (1998 p.47).Although it is likely the ampulla is a pilgrim souvenir of Canterbury, it may also represent another more local site of devotion. The depiction of Christ on rainbow is not known from Canterbury. Geoff Egan comments a date in the 13th century is likely, probably the early 13th century. CF. Spencer 1998 p.56-57 no.15 for similar shape and decorative style.
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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