Lot 10
Northern Europe, England, Medieval period, ca. 15th century CE. A stunning gilt silver iconographic ring faceted on one side with 3 incised panels of the Magi or Three Kings from the Nativity story - Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. Robed and haloed, each figure faces left bearing a gift in both hands. The group is flanked by a vertically incised ring shoulder, while the ring band is adorned with 2 horizontal stripes. In the Nativity story, the Magi came from the East to bear gifts for the newborn Christ. Their relics were kept in Cologne Cathedral, turning it into a significant pilgrimage destination. People believed that calling upon the Kings' names could guard against epilepsy, often referred to as the "falling sickness." It was also thought that wearing a ring engraved with their images offered protection from this mysterious and widely feared illness. Size: 0.9" Diameter x 0.5" Width of band (2.3 cm x 1.3 cm); US ring size: 9.5; silver quality: 97 to 99%; weight: 10.5 grams
Rings featuring engravings of religious figures or scenes, like this example, are commonly referred to as "iconographic rings." During the Middle Ages, they were adorned with depictions of well-known saints such as Catherine, Barbara, Christopher, George, and Margaret, as well as representations of the Virgin Mary, Christ, or the Three Kings. These rings served as expressions of faith and were also thought to provide protection from both spiritual and worldly threats. Expectant mothers sought St. Margarets aid for a safe childbirth, while travelers turned to St. Christopher for guidance. Rings with a ridged hoop divided into two or three sections are typically associated with English craftsmanship.
Cf. Victoria and Albert Museum, 680-1871.
Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private collection, acquired from a Munich, Germany collection in the 1990s
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#191746
- Condition: Some minor pitting and light surface wear commensurate with age, but otherwise, intact, excellent, and wearable with good remaining detail. Light patina as shown.
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