Lute pendant

ID:

97.77

Production date:

mid 15th century - early 16th century

Location:

In Store

As far as we know, this pendant in the form of a lute is unique. It is a three dimensional, partly hollow, cast, seven string (probably representing three double courses and one single) instrument. It has an oval sound board, round decorated rose, tie bridge and nine ribs on the back. The short neck has seven raised frets representing the gut frets on full scale instruments. The peg box is rear-facing with lateral pegs. There is a suspension loop at right angles to the fingerboard at the junction of the neck and body. The lute design, with its relatively narrow neck, slightly curved shoulders and oval body, closely resembles instruments of the early 1400s.  < ...Read more

As far as we know, this pendant in the form of a lute is unique. It is a three dimensional, partly hollow, cast, seven string (probably representing three double courses and one single) instrument. It has an oval sound board, round decorated rose, tie bridge and nine ribs on the back. The short neck has seven raised frets representing the gut frets on full scale instruments. The peg box is rear-facing with lateral pegs. There is a suspension loop at right angles to the fingerboard at the junction of the neck and body. The lute design, with its relatively narrow neck, slightly curved shoulders and oval body, closely resembles instruments of the early 1400s.

It was found on the Thames foreshore and was in such good condition because the waterlogged environment and muddy, anaerobic conditions of the foreshore are extremely beneficial to the preservation of metals. < Hide

Measurements

L 48 mm; W 23 mm; D 12 mm. WT 6.9 g, L 48 mm; W 23 mm; D 12 mm. WT 6.9 g (overall)

Materials

pewter; tin alloy; lead alloy

Last Updated

2024-03-14