BOXWOOD MINIATURE PRAYER BEAD

These carvings are a fine example of Gothic craftsmanship Netherlands, early 16th century

While the grand scale of Gothic architecture is the most prominent example of the intricacies and detailed work of artists and architects of the era, smaller works could be even more remarkable in the right hands. Boxwood Miniatures, which are believed to have originated in the Netherlands, show just how fine and complex these works could become, spinning out from the same aesthetics as grand cathedrals. The intricate and rich designs on such a small scale are an incredible example of the craftsmanship and skill that existed in the early 16th century.

Dozens of these carved wooden objects have survived and the detail of them is remarkable even by modern standards, let alone using the tools available at the time. Small chisels, a foot-powered lathe and, most likely, a magnifying glass, would need to be utilised to achieve this end result.

It’s thought that most were made between 1500 and 1530, and while some variation in quality between them suggests more than one person made them all, it’s possible they all came from the same workshop led by an artisan who had the skill to make the most impressive pieces. However, their identity remains a mystery that experts are still trying to solve.

The miniatures come in a number of forms, such as medallions, altarpieces, a knife, and prayer beads such as the one shown here. This would have actually sat along a string of similar beads, all of which would have been carved with geometric patterns around the outside and many likely opening up like this one to reveal religious scenes within. Such items vary in size, although this one is about six centimetres tall when closed, about the size of a standard pool ball, while it stands around 11 centimetres tall when open. Some are as small as five centimetres in diameter. Such carvings were prized items and understandably expensive, reserved for the rich and powerful of Europe. In fact, Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon were gifted a full set of prayer beads just like this, which survives to this day.