MEDIEVAL SILVER GILDED PENDANT

a beautiful gilded pendant featuring a panther head, the pendant is adorned with gilded granules. Wearable condition with signs of wear according to age

Size - 3x2.5 cm

In many medieval bestiaries the panther symbolized Christ. Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday (Good Friday) and resurrected the following Sunday (Easter). Three days elapsed between Jesus' death and resurrection, which is the same amount of time that people at the time believed a panther was sleeping. Interestingly, the panther was also often used in heraldry, on a shield, in a crest jewel or as a heraldic keeper.

Age: 1000-1100 AD

Provenance: Previously in the collection of an American gentleman in London, formed prior to 2000