Crosier, 15th–16th century, partly revised 19th century

Narwhal tooth, gilded copper with blue semi-precious stones

(H x W x D)204 × 18 × 9 cm

Place of originGermany or Italy

Status

on display, room 004

About the workThis crosier was made from the tusk of a narwhal. Numerous myths have evolved around this helix-shaped elongated tooth. Since the Middle Ages, it was believed to be the horn of the fabled unicorn, thus making its existence more credible. These tusks were also ground into a powder that doctors used as a remedy against the plague and other diseases. In Christian doctrine, the narwhal’s tusk was a mystical symbol, which is why it was traded like a relic. This gives an idea of how precious this staff must have been.

AccessionGift of Dr. M. J. Binder 1995

Provenance[...]; o.D. Dr. Moritz Julius Binder (1877 - 1947), Berlin; 1947 erhalten als Dauerleihgabe aus dem Nachlass Dr. M. J. Binder; 1995 erworben durch Schenkung aus vorgenanntem Nachlass

Inventory numberP 2009-56

Late Gothic

Contact

sammlung@kunstpalast.de

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https://sammlung.kunstpalast.de/en/objects/539964/bischofsstab

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