Temple Pendant and Stick

Unknown

ca. 1080–1150 · Cloisonné enamel, gold · Medieval Art

On the surface of this exquisitely worked pendant are intricate patterns of florets, palmettes, and variegated borders, and a medallion with the head of a young, beardless man on the front. Crosses embellish the accompanying stick. Temple pendants are thought to have hung near the temple or cheek, suspended from the wearer’s hair or headdress. The pendant’s hollow interior probably held a piece of perfumed cloth; the small stick would have been used to guide the cloth in and out of the pendant.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1080–1150

Medium

Cloisonné enamel, gold

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1990