Foliate and dog tooth boss c.1200

sketchfab

One of two keystone bosses dominating the quire stalls of Rochester Cathedral showcases original, hand-painted decoration dating back to approximately 1200 (also see skfb.ly/6TPVv). An investigation by Arte Conservation Ltd gained access via scaffold during repairs to the vaulting masonry in 2020. The dog tooth mouldings are coated with a thin layer of white limewash and black and red ochre lines carefully outline their edges. Two distinct red hues are visible, including a rich, crimson-red lead colour. Five small black dots adorn the spaces between the radial dog tooth carvings. Larger single black spots decorate the spaces between the dog tooth carvings of the transverse ribs. Bands of yellow ochre and black lines define the plainer diagonal ribs. Fragments of a single-line red masonry pattern remain in areas of the vault webbing beneath later limewashes. A detailed reconstruction is available at: skfb.ly/6TUKn