St Thomas Becket ampulla

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This ornate vessel was likely purchased by a devout pilgrim visiting the revered shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. It contained water believed to hold the diluted blood shed by the saint during his martyrdom. Each side vividly depicts scenes related to the saint's life; his brutal murder at the hands of four knights loyal to King Henry II, a close-up of his gruesome death, two bishops standing beside a crowned and sceptred king, and Becket seated on a throne, dressed in episcopal attire and extending his hand in a gesture of blessing. Delicate fleur de lys patterns adorn the slanted panels flanking the vessel's neck, which features intricate geometric designs, while equal-armed crosses embellish the angles of the gabled ends of the object. Two suspensory loops positioned on either side of the neck allowed the owner to hang it from a cord and wear it as a symbol of their special connection with the saint. Height: 54 mm; Width: 41 mm; Depth: 22 mm; For more information, visit http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection-online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=764016&partId=1&searchText=2001,0702.3&page=1