Post-Medieval — Mid 15th century - early 16th century
Lute pendant
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.
- Category:
- Post-Medieval
- Object ID:
- 97.77
- Object name:
- Lute pendant
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- mid 15th century - early 16th century
- Material:
pewter, tin alloy, lead alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- L 48 mm, W 23 mm, D 12 mm. WT 6.9 g, L 48 mm, D 12 mm. WT 6.9 g (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.