Ancient-Jewellery

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Rare Medieval Ladies Vessica Seal of Isabel (Countess) of Jordan

SOLD

Code: 10799



This is a rare and interesting medieval bronze seal matrix, dating to the 12th - 13th century. The seal is sadly damaged (broken in half), caused on purpose after the death of the original owner. She is depicted dressed as a fashionable lady of the 13th century, wearing a long gown and 'fillet and barbette' headdress. In her left hand she is holding a Merlin falcon (noted in the Book of St. Albans as "a falcon for a Lady"), with her right hand on her heart. Around is inscribed her name and title "+ S' YSABE****** : IORDANIS" this possibly reads as "Seal of Isabelle *** Jordan, / Lady of Oultrejordain (in the Holy Land). It is a very rare seal of a noblewoman, similar to one recorded SOM-BBE4EB seal of Sibilla de Gournay. The damage indicates the owner had died and the seal broken into pieces and sent to members of the family, this piece was found in France, so if she was based in Jordan it had traveled quite far indeed!

OBJECT: Seal Matrice

CULTURE: Medieval

DATE: c. 12th - 13th century A.D.

MATERIAL: Bronze

SIZE: 23mm x 24mm x 2mm  

WEIGHT:  5.6 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection, France