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MOUNT
Unique ID: BERK-2BA546
Object type certainty: Certain
A complete cast copper alloy enamelled anthropomorphic Limoges reliquary mount, probably from a casket or crucifix, and dating from the 12th to 13th centuries. The mount represents a three-quarter length figure, probably representing an apostle or saint. The figure has fifteen recessed panels that represent the folds of a cloak and each of these panels would have been filled with coloured enamel; some blue enamel is retained in one. The head is solid and the facial features are depicted by two glass eyes (intact), a nose and smiling mouth; the object retains much of its gilding, including that on the back of the head. The reverse of the body is not gilded but is recessed to aid attachment to a (wooden) object; two circular rivet holes perforate the figure centrally. The mount is bent but is otherwise complete.
This style of enamelled mount, probably for a casket or a cross, was typically produced in the Limoges area in central France during the late 12th and 13th centuries. The technique, known as 'champlevé' enamelling, involved grinding out a metal base to receive glass powder that was then fired. A variety of different items were produced from the workshops at Limoges, both commerical and ecclesiastical including altar crosses, relic caskets, candlesticks and marriage coffers (Mills, 1999, 106).
Notes:
This is only the second Limoges reliquary mount from Oxfordshire recorded on this database
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Class: Reliquary
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Period to: MEDIEVAL [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: Circa AD 1150
Date to: Circa AD 1250
Dimensions and weight
Length: 48.85 mm
Width: 23.31 mm
Thickness: 3.82 mm
Weight: 16.5 g
Quantity: 1
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Complete [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Surface Treatment: Inlaid with enamel [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Spatial data
Region: South East And London
County: Oxfordshire
District: South Oxfordshire
Parish: Chinnor
Restricted 4 Figure grid reference: SP7601
The map has been degraded and provides an approximate location with a degree of random obfuscation.
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
Method of discovery: Metal detector
[scope notes]
General landuse: Cultivated land [scope notes]
Specific landuse: Character undetermined [scope notes]
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 1st October 2011 - Wednesday 2nd November 2011
Personal details
Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Miss Anni Byard
- [
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Identified by: Miss Anni Byard - [view all attributed records]
Other reference numbers
Other reference: 2011.600
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Audit data
Created:
Friday 27th January 2012
Updated: Thursday 2nd February 2012
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