Amber Relief (Pax)

Amber, fossilized tree resin from prehistoric rainforests, was seen as a natural curiosity and was treasured for its vibrant colour. It is a versatile material and was used for all sorts of objects in a Kunstkammer (a princely collection of precious and rare objects): from vessels and panels for cabinets to chess sets. This late Medieval amber relief of the head of Christ is one of only three known representations of this kind. It is contained within an enamelled and gilded silver frame and was conceived as a liturgical object called a pax (meaning ‘peace’ in Latin). A pax is a tablet with a religious image that was kissed by the celebrating priest and by other participants at a Catholic mass.