Renaissance Silver Gilt Pomander Pendant

Code: 10300

This is a superb Tudor period silver pomander, dating to the 16th century A.D. The large pendant is hollow, originally filled with a ball of musk. The scent would have effused through the perforations, enabling the perfume to be carried about on one's person or hung on a chain. During this period the streets and homes were full of unpleasant odours, these affected the health and miasmas. To prevent illness the wealthy carried balls of musk to ward off disease, these were extremely expensive and housed in special cases known as pomanders (little apple). 

OBJECT: Pomander

CULTURE: Renaissance / Tudor

DATE: c. 1520 - 1620 A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver-gilt

SIZE: 34mm x 27mm

WEIGHT: 5.3 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. private collection, Cambridge.