Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
Ampulla; cross and fleur-de-lys
Ampulla from an unknown shrine, decorated with a cross on one side and a fleur-de-lys on the other. The fleur-de-lys was an emblem of the Virgin Mary. Ampullae were used to contain water that been associated with saintly relics – sometimes relics were dipped into the water to transfer some of their power. This water was thought to have powerful properties such as the ability to cure diseases and so ampullae were popular pilgrim souvenirs. Ampullae could be worn on string round the neck or hung up at home to be used when needed.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- A3817
- Object name:
- Ampulla; cross and fleur-de-lys
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; late 14th-early 15th century
- Material:
lead alloy, tin alloy, pewter
- Measurements/duration:
- H 46 mm, W 32 mm, D 13 mm
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection (learning collection loan)
- 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.