Prayer nut

workshop of Dircksz, Adam, c. 1500 - c. 1530

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.

  • Artwork typebox, letter, prayer nut
  • Object numberBK-2010-16
  • Dimensionsdiameter 48 mm, height 82 mm x width 75 mm
  • Physical characteristicsbuxushout; behuizing: deels verguld zilver; doosje: hout, bekleed met geperst leer;