This ivory panel, a wing of a tabernacle polyptych, is divided into three compartments and shows scenes of the Annunciation, the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi. It was made in England in about 1240-50. The style of the figures is unusual and finds a distinct parallel in the figure on the West front of Wells Cathedral. Although now only a fragment from a larger ensemble, the wing provides important evidence for non-French production in the early years of Gothic ivory carving. It is contemporary with the first products of the so-called 'Soissons group' and the earliest Virgin and Child statuettes, and thus considerably predates the main body of French ivory tabernacles which appear mostly to date from the years 1270-1320.
The term tabernacle polyptych has been used here (ref. Williamson and Davies) to describe an object which consists of a deep central chamber with canopy, usually containing the Virgin and Child, and four hinged wings with narrative scenes, which would distinguish them from the smaller category of simpler polyptychs, which are made up of a series of plaques hinged together but with no central tabernacle.
A feature that links most tabernacle polyptychs together is the method of facture: Although the Virgins in the tabernacles appear from the front to be statuettes they are with few exceptions carved integrally with the back and base panels, which is remarkably skilful.