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Slide
Unknown - Enlarge image
Slide
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (made)
- Date:
ca. 1700 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Enamelled gold with hair under rock crystal
- Credit Line:
Frank Ward Bequest
- Museum number:
M.11-1960
- Gallery location:
Jewellery, room 91 mezzanine, case 81, shelf D1, box 11
Jewels commemorating the dead were widely worn during the 17th century. From the inscription on the back of this slide, which is partially in latin, we know that it was made in memory of a child with the initials IC who had died on the 6th July (year not recorded) aged 3 years and 8 months.
Imagery such as skeletons, skulls and winged hourglasses were frequently used for such jewellery, produced as standard components in stamped and enamelled gold. Hair was also often incorporated.
The slide was a very popular type of jewel at this date. Fitted with two flat loops at the back, a ribbon of silk or woven hair would be threaded through enabling it to be worn around the neck or wrist.
