Beschreibung:

ENGLISH MEDIEVAL - BRONZE SEAL MATRIX - RICARDI TAS Circa 14th century AD. A large, copper-alloy hexagonal 'chessman' seal matrix with trefoil suspension loop and triple collar; the 22mm circular face of the seal depicting an antlered 'sacrificial' stag with dappled hide lying down, and a cross-headed banner with 'Z' across the pole with a four-leaved plant to one side; the inscription reading S' RICARDI TAS; a small * marks the top of the matrix, on the upper side surface. 31 mm tall; 19.50 grams. Superb, with rich and perfect patina. Provenance Found near Elham, Kent, 2001. Footnotes The hunting symbolism harks back to the legend of Herne the Hunter and ultimately to Adonis, consort of Venus (whence the derivation of the word 'venison').