Arkivism
Prayer Nut
Public domain

Prayer Nut

c. 1500 - c. 1530 · woodcarving (process); engraving; leather; paper; gold (metal); silver (metal); boxwood (hardwood); oak (wood)

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This tiny boxwood ball, mounted in silver, is incredibly finely carved. It is a 'prayer nut', intended to be hung from a belt or a rosary, and was meant as an aid to prayer. The owner moreover would certainly have enjoyed showing off such a superbly crafted and precious jewel. Seen at the top is the Nativity and at the bottom the Adoration of the Magi.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
boxletterprayer nut
Credit lineGebedsnoot. c. 1500 - c. 1530. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
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